Carl Russell Dudley Jr.

July 13, 1944, ~ November 8, 2021

"May the Work I've Done Speak for Me" or perhaps, "If I Could Help Somebody Then My Living Shall Not Be in Vain." These two songs best describe Mr. Carl Russell Dudley Jr., a man who spent his life trying to make the lives of others more accessible, better, and comfortable.

Affectionately called "Dud", their oldest child was born to Carl Russell Dudley Sr., and Lillian Shorter Simmons, July 13th of 1944. Carl was raised by his maternal grandparents Vincent and Jimmy Lee (Youngblood) Shorter, in Gary, Indiana. Despite leaving the home of his grandparents at an early age, he managed to graduate from Roosevelt High School in Gary, Indiana and attended Howard University in Washington, DC for two years.

Carl began his family as a teenager with Searcy Williams. To this union Carl Russell Dudley III was born. Carl later met Miss. Dorothy Annette Sullivan whom he affectionately referred to as his "first true love". To this union was born Brian Dudley, Tameka Dudley, and Kimyatta (Kim) Dudley. Carl also became a bonus father to Annette's daughter, Myra LeFluer (deceased). Carl moved his family from Gary, Indiana to Denver, CO. While in Denver, Carl met Leona Dudley who automatically welcomed him into the family which made a life-changing impact on him. Later, Annette passed at the young age of 38, leaving Carl with their four children.

Carl worked many jobs including Ford Motor Company, and the City of Gary, Indiana, where he served as a deputy sheriff. Also, in Gary he made a run for Mayor of the city. He liked to always be involved in politics. He was a man of passion and responsibility. Additionally, Carl worked at Urban League and Teletech in Denver, Colorado. He later retired from AT&T as a decorated Customer Service representative.

While working at AT&T, Carl met his soul mate and the love of his life Ruby (Simpson) Groves. Carl and Ruby were married for 35 years and seven months. "What God has joined together let no man put asunder." Once again, Carl became the bonus father to Ruby's children Cheryl Groves, Barbara (Groves) Jones, Gerald (Jerry) Groves II, and Tracy (Groves) Adams.

Carl never met a stranger. He was known by all for saying, "what's up, BOSS?" or calling people by their relation to him. For example, "Hi Grandgirl," or "Hey Nephew," etc. On any given day, he would say "as long as the Father's got me"- referring to God.

Carl was a man of genuine conviction, and he knew God. He was a member of the Higher Ground church of Christ and was baptized into Christ by brother Willie R. Gray Sr. at the Park East church of Christ in Denver, Colorado.

Carl knew how to unwind, relax, and enjoy life. He enjoyed gaming , fishing, technology, roadtrips, watching sports, and attending family events including his grandchildren's special events. He was known for DRIVING WAY TOO FAST and not wearing his seatbelt.  Yet his hair was never out of place, and he was a fashionable dresser. "Dud" was always available to listen or give advice.

On November 8th of 2021, Carl Russell Dudley Jr. transitioned from earth to eternity. He had lived his life to the fullest. As Carl passed from this world, there to meet him were his grandparents Vincent and Jimmy Lee Shorter. His Mother and Father Carl Russell Dudley Sr., and Lillian Shorter Simmons. Sisters Patricia Lyles, Ynetta Simmons, and Clara Dudley.

Carl Russell Dudley Jr.'s legacy will continue in the lives of his family and friends.

His wife Ruby Dudley. His children Carl Russell Dudley III., Brian Dudley, Tameka Dudley, Kimyatta (Kim) Dudley, Cheryl Groves, Barbara Groves Jones (Walter), Gerald (Jerry) Groves II (Debra), and Tracy Groves Adams (Keith). His siblings Henrietta Rhymes, Marie Phillips, Alvertis Simmons, Teresa Collins (Danny), Gwendolyn Dudley, Wanda Wright (Felix), Carol Pace (Tommy), Carl Dudley Jr., Madeline Nealy, Mattie Brewington (Larry), and Dolores Dudley. Plus, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and other relatives, and friends.