WILLIAM J. ("Bill") DUDLEY

     William J. Dudley, affectionately known as Bill, age 90 years, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at Virtua Hospital in Mt. Holly, NJ. He was surrounded by his loving family.

     Bill was born on July 30, 1934, in Chiriqui, Panama to the late Norma Ponton. He was the oldest of three children. He is survived by his sister Estella Ponton and brother George Dudley and wife Enilda.  Bill was 18 when he joined the United States Military in 1953 until his retirement in 1975, completing two tours in Vietnam and retiring as a 1st Sergeant E8. He was an expert marksman and received numerous medals, including the Army of Occupation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, just to name a few and he received four Overseas Service Bars.

     In 1956 he met and married the love of his life Gladys Dudley (Martinez) in Panama City, Republic of Panama. And together they came to the US and started a family.

     He is survived by his wife Gladys, daughter Italia Scarlett, son Guillermo Dudley & his wife Regina, granddaughters Angelica & her husband Luis, Kristy & her husband Willie, and grandson Antony’o.  Bill is also survived by great grandchildren, a great great granddaughter, nieces, nephews, cousins and many other family members.

     Bill was predeceased by his daughter Maribell Dudley, grandson Anthony Dudley and granddaughter Domonique Dudley.

     Bill was known for his love and generosity to his family and his dedication to taking care of them. From a young age Bill worked delivering papers and shining shoes to help take care of his mother and siblings. He was very giving and donating to causes that meant something to him.  Bill was also known as the military dad who was as loving as he was strict. In addition to family and military service, Bill had a passion for baseball. He loved the Yankees and played baseball from a young age in the Republic of Panama and even served on the Army’s Hawaiian all-star baseball team where he got his nick name "Bullet Bill".  Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved them.

     The viewing and visitation for Bill's family and friends will be held at The Lankenau Funeral Home, 31 Elizabeth St., Pemberton Borough on January 31, 2025, Friday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 AM.  The liturgy of Christian burial will follow at St. Ann's Church, 22A Trenton Rd., Browns Mills, NJ at 11:00 AM.  The interment will be in Pemberton's First Baptist Cemetery, Pemberton Borough, NJ.

     In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in William J. Dudley's honor may be made to:   St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959.

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