Murray Thomas Dudley (Dudley to those who knew him) was born November 23, 1935 in Presque Isle, Maine to Charles and Iris Dudley. After graduating from Portland Maine high school he joined the army and was stationed in Reykjavik, Iceland. After army life, in 1960, Dudley moved to Dallas, Texas and began a life long career with Delta Airlines. Dudley enjoyed traveling and working at numerous airports around the country before coming to Monroe, Louisiana for two weeks to work vacation relief. In those two weeks he met the love of his life, Mary Alice Odom and they married in 1963.

A member of Mt. Olive Missionary Church in Spearsville, Louisiana, Dudley is preceded in death by his father, mother and only sibling, George Dudley. Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 55 years, Mary Alice of Spearsville, son Roger Dudley of Shreveport and daughter Rena Elizabeth Dudley of Shreveport.
Two grandsons, Zack Odom Dudley (Kathryn) of Monroe, Lex Angelo Dudley of Spearsville, one great–granddaughter, Lilly Kate Dudley and one step great-granddaughter Karli Shields.

In 2011 he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) a form of leukemia that cripples the body's ability to make blood. Since 2011 he underwent approximately 168 blood transfusions receiving up to 3 units each time. He patiently sat for over 260 chemo treatments but always had a smile on his face and maintained his sense of humor through it all. In lieu of flowers the family asks donations be made to help alleviate remaining medical bills. Donations can be made to account 20135828 at any Origin bank location or call 888-292-4037 for transfer support.

Visitation will be held at Farrar's funeral home chapel Tuesday, June 26, 2018 from 10:00am to 11:00am, following visitation Pastor Buddy Boatright will officiate a celebration of Dudley's life. A private family service will be conducted at Zion Hill Cemetery at a later date.

A special thanks to the nurses and staff at Northern Louisiana Medical Center, Dr. David C. Osafo the caregivers from Heart of Hospice – Northeast and all those who donated blood over the years.