RJ was born in Bunnell, Florida on January 24, 1947 to RJ Dudley Sr. and Mattie Dudley. He attended and graduated from the Bunnell School System. He was a bright student and enjoyed playing in the school band as a saxophonist.

After high school, RJ enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed basic training in Fort Benning, GA. After basics, he was deployed to fight in the Vietnam War. He was a member of the 62nd Airborne Division.

After the war, RJ lived in various states working as a farm laborer. His astute business acumen led him to become an early entrepreneur. Throughout his lifetime, he ran several small businesses.

He was known for his quiet demeanor. He loved his family and friends and enjoyed spending time around the card table and fishing.

While in the hospital, RJ confessed the prayer of repentance and recommitted his life to Christ. He transitioned, peacefully, from this earthly life on Friday, March 11, 2022, at AdventHealth Palm Coast after a brief illness with cancer.

He is preceded in death by his father, RJ Dudley Sr.; his mother, Mattie Dudley; his brothers, Anthony Lorick, Leroy Lorick, Charlie (Lorick) Dudley, John Dudley; his sisters Gertrude (Dudley) Smith and Valmarie (Shirl Dudley) Fredericks.

RJ is survived by his sons, Robert Dudley (Temeka) of Florence SC; Corey Everette of Wilson, NC; his daughters, Jacqueline (Dudley) Miller (Andrew) and Sheri (Dudley) Jefferson, both of Columbia, SC; six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren; brothers, Nathaniel Dudley of Albany, GA and James (Kay) of Daytona, FL; sisters, Betty (Lorick) Norvel of Riviera Beach, FL, Truddie Johnson of Daytona, FL, Jessica Jones (Charles) of Atlanta, GA, Edith Dudley of Orlando, FL and Beverly Dudley of Newark, NJ; a brother-in-law, Isaiah Fredericks and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, who affectionately referred to him as “JayBird.” He will be truly missed by all who knew him and loved him.

Visitation - Saturday, March 26, 2022 - 10 AM (One hour prior to service) - St James Missionary Baptist Church - 609 S. State Street - Bunnell, Florida 32110

Funeral Service - Saturday, March 26, 2022 - 11 AM - St. James Missionary Baptist Chuch - 609 S. State Street - Bunnell, Florida 32110