John Evan Dudley

John Evan Dudley, age 83, of Pulaski, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025. He was born on November 10, 1941, in Scooba, Mississippi, to the late Willard and Pamelia (Smith) Dudley. John lived a life filled with faith, family, and purpose. A proud graduate of Mississippi State University, he went on to teach for 30 years, shaping countless young minds with patience, wisdom, and humor. Before his teaching career, he pursued his love of baseball, playing in the Minor Leagues for the Cincinnati Reds — an experience he cherished and spoke of often.

He was a devoted father to Haven Gavin, Rachel Dudley, Jacob Dudley, Jeremiah Dudley, John Dudley, and the late Luke Dudley. He also held a special place in his heart for his granddaughter Allie Dudley, whom he lovingly raised as his own daughter. John was the proud grandfather of fourteen grandchildren, each of whom brought him endless joy and pride.

A visitation will be 3:00pm to 5:00pm Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory.

A memorial service will follow at 5:00pm Tuesday, November 4, 2025in the chapel of Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Pamelia (Smith) and Willard Dudley; his brothers, Jack and Knox Dudley; and his son, Luke Dudley.

John’s life was marked by kindness, generosity, and faith. He was known for his gentle spirit, warm smile, and playful sense of humor. He found peace and joy in the simple things — fishing, hunting, reading his Bible, and playing baseball and basketball in his younger years. His faith in God was the cornerstone of his life, guiding him through every season and helping instill faith in his children

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John 14:2–6 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know. Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way? Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Bennett-May & Pierce Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for John Evan Dudley.