Jerry Lee Dudley

Jerry Lee Dudley, age 74, of New Philadelphia, went home to be with the Lord Saturday, July 7, 2007 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.Born April 19, 1933 in Dover, Ohio, he was the son of the late Jack and Mary Blind Dudley. At Liberty, Indiana on October 6, 1952, Jerry married the love of his life, the former Joyce Elizabeth Doyle. Together they enjoyed many milestones, but most importantly, they reared their five children together. Jerry and Joyce loved to travel and camp. Many memories were made while traveling throughout the country on their Honda Goldwing. They were fortunate to visit every state in the United States, except Alaska and Hawaii. Jerry was a former Deacon and a longtime member of Jerusalem Church. After attending New Philadelphia High School, Jerry went to work with the former Reeves Steel, retiring after 35 years of service. At the time of his death, Jerry was working with friends at Green Valley Golf Course. An avid New Philadelphia Quaker and sports enthusiast, Jerry will long be remembered as the NPHS football downmarker and lineman. During his 32 years of service in this capacity, he never missed a home or away football game. Jerry was also a staunch supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes, the Cleveland Browns, Indians, Cavaliers, NASCAR and AMA Superbike Racing.From 1957 through 1968, he raced super modified race cars in Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia and New York. Then, in March of 2003, he was honored as an inductee into the Tuscarawas County Racing Hall of Fame. He also enjoyed his membership with the Big Red Hunting Club. Jerry will be long remembered for his wonderful work ethic, and the great sense of humor he used to make everything he involved himself with a fun activity. Jerry is survived by his children Judy (Todd) Swinehart of North Canton, Joy (Tim) Mullins and Jeannie Dudley, both of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Jamie Dudley of West Hills, California, and Jerry (Robin) Dudley II of Copley, Ohio; his grandchildren, Amanda, Tyler and Diana Swinehart of North Canton, Ashley (Key) Collins, Tasha Mullins and Alexis Kroll, all of Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina, Chelsea Dudley of West Hills, California, and Courtney Burton and Marissa Dudley, both of Copley, Ohio, and sisters, Betty Miller and Jean (Burt) Beaber, both of New Philadelphia. A brother, Lynn (Sheila) Dudley of New Philadelphia completes the family. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Jack Dudley, and a brother-in-law, Mike Miller. Friends are invited to call Monday from 2-4 and from 6-8 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The Rev. Dr. Terry Downin will lead the Dudley funeral Tuesday morning at 10AM in Jerusalem Church. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Following the committal service, a reception will be given for family and friends in the church fellowship hall. Those unable to attend are invited to share memories Â? or as his friends call them “Jerry-tales” Â? by visiting his memorial on the funeral home’s website. The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to Jerusalem Church, 1417 Stonecreek Road SW, New Philadelphia, OH, 44663 or Hospice of Tuscarawas County Inc., 201 W. 3rd Street, Dover, OH 44622, in gratitude for their exemplary care. Linn-Hert-Geib(330) 343-5506www.geibfuneral.com