Jerry Kelly Dudley

On March 24, 2024, Jerry Dudley departed from this life at the age of 86.

Jerry Kelly Dudley was born on February 22, 1938, in Caruthersville, Missouri.

Jerry was united in marriage to Elizabeth “Libby” Ann Christian Dudley on June 1, 1958, in Caruthersville, Missouri.  Jerry and Libby were married for 64 years until they were parted by Libby’s death on March 10, 2023.  This year would have marked the 66th anniversary of their wedding.

After graduating high school, Jerry attended St. Louis College of Pharmacy.  He graduated from the university with a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree.  Upon graduating, he returned to Southeast Missouri and worked in both Portageville and Caruthersville until he eventually became the proud owner of Prescription Drug Store, LLC.  This pharmacy has served the communities of Caruthersville, Hayti, and surrounding areas for nearly 60 years.

Jerry had two passions: the first was to serve his community as a local pharmacist, and the second was to spread the Word of God.  Among his many admirable qualities, Jerry possessed a strong faith and a vast capacity for unconditional love.  As a devout Christian, he devoted much of his free time to Bible study and prayer.  The rest of it was set aside for his family, to whom he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.

Jerry was a man of many interests and talents.  He was a lover of music; he enjoyed listening to his favorite tunes, playing the piano, and strumming his guitar.  Jerry also loved to tell silly jokes, which made his loved ones smile.  He especially loved spending time with his grandchildren.  He enjoyed attending Christian’s ballgames, Leanne’s performances, and Isabella’s horse shows.  He also enjoyed cohosting sleepovers-and cooking his “famous” waffles for his grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his son, Shane Dudley, and Shane’s wife, Jaime, of Caruthersville, Missouri.  He is also survived by his daughter, Gerianne Elizabeth Dudley Griffin, and her husband, David, of Huntsville, Alabama.  Jerry is survived by three grandchildren-Christian Lee Dudley, LeAnne Renee Dudley and Isabella Rose Griffin-as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by: his wife, Elizabeth Ann Christian Dudley, his mother, Medrieth Dudley, his father, L.F. "Cougher" Dudley, one son, Todd Christian Dudley, one grandson, Christopher Todd Henderson, and two brothers, Fred Dudley and Louie “Bud” Dudley.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. in the H.S. Smith Chapel.  Interment will follow in Little Prairie Cemetery.  Visitation will begin at noon.

H.S. Smith Funeral Home in charge of services.

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