It is with deep sorrow and much love that we announce the passing of retired Lt. Colonel Dudley John Budrich, of Roswell, Georgia. Dudley passed away peacefully on September 9, 2025, at the age of 91.
Born on March 17, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, to Robert and Helen Budrich, Dudley lived a life defined by faith, family, service, and sport. He attended Mount Carmel High School, where he excelled on the football field. Awarded a football scholarship to the University of Kansas, he shared a dormitory with Olympian William "Bill" Nieder and developed a close friendship with basketball legend Wilt Chamberlain. A standout athlete, Dudley was named an All-American football player and played in the Hula Bowl in Hawaii. Following his graduation in 1957, he was recruited by Vince Lombardi to play for the Green Bay Packers. Choosing instead a life of service, Dudley embarked on a distinguished 26-year military career.
Commissioned at Fort Benning, Georgia, Dudley trained as an Airborne Ranger and went on to serve two tours in Vietnam. Over the course of his career, he was stationed at posts across the United States, in Hawaii, and overseas, earning numerous honors and awards, including two Bronze Stars. He completed his military service in 1983 as part of FORSCOM at Fort McPherson, Georgia.
After retiring from the Army, Dudley continued his career in operations management with Rich's Federated Stores (now Macy's) at Cumberland Mall in Smyrna, Georgia, and later at Rich's Service Center in Stone Mountain, Georgia.
Athleticism and competition remained central to his life. Dudley was an avid tennis player and runner, regularly participating in tournaments and running for fitness. A lifelong sports enthusiast, he relished any opportunity to watch a game, whether in the stands or on television. Known for his storytelling, he could captivate listeners with tales from his military service—often mixing wisdom with humor.
Dudley will be lovingly remembered by his son, Dan Budrich, and wife Nancy; his daughter, Becky Reiss; his sisters-in-law, Tina Wall and Suzie Hargett; his grandsons, Austin and Kyle Budrich, Christopher Lawley, and Sean and Dylan Reiss; as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patsy Kay Budrich; his daughters, Kristy Kay Budrich and Vivian Noyes; his brother, Robert "Bob" Budrich; and brothers-in-law, Colonel Kenneth Wall and Michael "Mickey" Hargett.
Though we feel the ache of his absence, we take comfort in knowing he is reunited with his cherished loved ones in Heaven—embraced by peace, joy, and the eternal love of God.
If Dudley could speak to us now, he would surely echo the words of Joshua 1:9:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
A committal service with military honors will be held at 11:00 a.m. on September 18, 2025, at the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton.