Nationwide — Tributes from across the world continue to come in for the patriarch of the Dudley Hair Care empire, icon, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Dr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr. who peacefully passed away on February 8, 2024. Celebration of Life events were held on February 18 and 19, 2024 in Greensboro, North Carolina.
Born May 9, 1937, Dudley was labeled intellectually disabled and suffered a speech impediment. Through it all, his mother never stopped believing in him and is responsible for his overcoming these obstacles and becoming a role model for many.
He received numerous awards throughout his lifetime including:
• President George Bush’s 46th Point of Light Award for Dudley Fellows and Ladies Program
• The Direct Selling Association (DSA) Vision For Tomorrow Award
• Maya Angelou Tribute to Achievement Award
• Inc. Magazine’s North Carolina Master Entrepreneur Award
• 2005 Trumpet Award Winner
• Inducted into The National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame (Business/Industry)
• Elected to The Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans
• Inducted into the DSA Hall of Fame
Dudley is the author of the book Walking By Faith, I AM, I CAN & I WILL where he discusses his successful principle-centered and highly effective entrepreneurial recipe. It features ten (10) basic principles including Change Your Attitude to Change Your Life, Accept Challenge in Faith, Don’t Add Loss to Loss, and Make a Difference in the World. This book has inspired many to pursue their purpose.
Dr. Joe Dudley, Sr. leaves to cherish his rich and loving legacy: his children, Joe L. Dudley Jr., Ursula Dudley Oglesby (Mark), Genea Dudley Gidey (the late Abay Gidey); his grandchildren, Mark Oglesby Jr, Elena Oglesby, Noah Gidey; his siblings, William Dudley, Cornelius (CC) Dudley (Emma), Mardecia Dudley (Pete), Elsie Little (Juarez), MacArthur Dudley, George Dudley (Blanche); his beloved former wife and business partner Eunice M. Dudley, his devoted caregiver Ella Wilson, his Dudley Products, Dudley Beauty Corp and Fuller Products family, and a host of other relatives, friends & colleagues.
“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our hero, Dr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr. Our hearts are broken. However, we smile knowing the thousands of lives that he touched and changed. Heaven has gained a dynamic salesperson and humanitarian. We love you! We will forever remember and live by your mantra, I AM, I CAN & I WILL!” — The Dudley Family
For more details about Dr. Joe L. Dudley, Sr. visit https://dudleyq.com/JOE-L-
