Gerald W. Dudley

Gerald Wayne Dudley, 72, of rural Harrisburg, was born May 23, 1937, in a house on Morning Sun Road, the same road where he was living when he passed away on Sunday, August 16, 2009. He grew up in Weiner, Arkansas, where he attended Weiner High School and played varsity basketball. He graduated in 1955.

Gerald attended Arkansas State College (now University), graduating in 1959 with a Second Lieutenant commission in the U.S. Army. He served as a helicopter pilot in Korea during his term of service and was honorably discharged in 1962.

Gerald then earned his Certified Public Accounting degree, beginning his career with Russell Brown and Company in Little Rock. He later became a partner in the Ernest and Young Accounting firm. After moving to Jonesboro, he opened his own office as a C.P.A. and financial advisor.

He and his wife, Beauton, owned and operated a Swenson Ice Cream Parlor while living in Little Rock. After moving to Jonesboro, they had Western Sizzlin’ Restaurants in Jonesboro, and Poplar Bluff, Missouri. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Little Rock for several years and has been a member of Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro for 22 years. Gerald is preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Jessie Dudley of Weiner, a son, David Dudley, and one grandson, Brandon Kelley.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Beauton of the home; a daughter, Belinda Dudley Simpson and her husband, Mike; one grandson, Logan Kelley, and a granddaughter, Brea Michell Simpson, all of Jonesboro. Gerald is also survived by a large extended family of in-laws and friends who loved him very much. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2:00 at Central Baptist Church in Jonesboro with Rev. Carlston Berry officiating with Emerson Funeral Home of Jonesboro in charge of arrangements. Burial will follow in Jonesboro Memorial Park.

Pallbearers include: Joe Hamilton, J.H. Williams, Bill Teague, Anthony Jones,
Jeremy Kath and Lynn Erwin.

Visitation will be held Friday evening, 5-7, at Central Baptist Church, 3707 Harrisburg Rd., Jonesboro, AR.