February 7, 1928 - November 2, 2023
Rank: Corporal (Army) / Staff Sergeant (Air Force)
Dates of Service: 1946-1948 / 1951-1955
Dudley Stallings was born February 7, 1928 in Franklin County to the late Joe Davis Stallings and Lona Bunn Stallings. He proudly served his country in the Army and Air Force as a Corporal in the Army from 1946 to 1948 and a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955. Dudley obtained a BS in Agricultural Education from NC State with the help of the GI Bill. Much later he received a Master’s degree in Public Health from UNC Chapel Hill which he achieved while working full time and taking care of his family. He always said that the only thing wrong with the Master’s degree was the name of the institution (Wolfpack pride runs deep).
Dudley was a devoted husband to Nellie for 66 years and a great father to Mike and Kim. In the years after Nellie passed away, he was so fortunate to find the second great love of his life, Sally and have 2 more wonderful years. He adored his new daughter, Pat and his great granddaughter, Penelope.
After retiring from the State of North Carolina, Dudley joined Healthworks at Wake Med for exercise and made many of the best friends of his life. He exercised for his health, but enjoyed the fellowship much more than the exercise. He was an avid golfer and was very proud of his biggest golf achievement - a very rare Double Eagle.
Christmas was always a very special time with a tradition of family, friends, and neighbors all gathering at the house for a great time on Christmas night. One of his contributions was preparing the 4 pounds of a variety of fresh nuts for the famous Christmas Cake which was an old family recipe. He had a large garden for many years growing fresh vegetables.
He was very active in the church, first at Samaria Baptist Church and then at Knightdale Baptist Church, both for many years. His life’s mission was serving others in any way needed. He led by example and lived out his faith daily.
