OWEN LEWIS DUDLEY,

of North Little Rock, passed from this life on November 21, 2021, at Arkansas Hospice Inpatient Unit in Little Rock at the age of 77. He was born January 5, 1944, in Tupelo, Arkansas, to the late Robert G. and Kneely C. (Williams) Dudley. He was of the Baptist faith and attended Remount Baptist Church. Mr. Dudley was a veteran of the United States Air Force and retired from the United States Postal Service after more than forty years of service. He was a long-time active volunteer for the Burns Park Athletic Association, holding positions as President and Vice-President over his twenty-five years. He was once prank called by Craig O’Neal about scheduling a Baseball Tournament at the park. This went well until Owen figured out who he was and called him by his given name, which quickly ended the conversation. The piece was never broadcast on the air. Mr. Dudley was an avid baseball fan, often traveling to Wrigley Field to see the Chicago Cubs.

Over his many years with the postal service, Mr. Dudley was in almost daily contact with many influential individuals, including then Governor Bill Clinton who had a post office box at Owen’s office. Mr. Clinton would stop by on his morning run to check his mail and get a drink. When he was elected President of the United States, Mr. Dudley and his wife were shocked to find a letter from the White House in their mail. Upon opening it, they were shocked to have a formal invitation to the Clinton Presidency Inaugural Ball.

In addition to his parents Owen was preceded in death by his wife of fifty years, Margie Ann (Fulford) Dudley, granddaughter, Abbey (Abbegail) Dudley, siblings, Robert G. Dudley, Charlie Dudley and wife Ruthie, Garland Dudley and wife Blanche, James Allen Dudley, and Cletus Dudley. Survivors include his children, Michael Dudley and wife Leslie, Robert Dudley and wife Brittany, grandchildren, Mackinnley, Emma and Leah, along with a host of extended family and dearly loved friends.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m., Saturday, November 27, 2021, at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Interment will take place at the Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery at a later date. Visitation will be Friday, November 26, 2021, from 6 until 8 p.m., at the funeral home. Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main Street, North Little Rock, Arkansas, 72114, 501-758-1170. Online guestbook at: www.smithfamilycares.com