Thomas Pettit Dudley Jr.

Thomas “Tom” Pettit Dudley Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, July 8, 2024, in Florence, MS. He was 80 years old. The family will receive friends for visitation from 12:00-2:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at First Baptist Church in Florence. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. A private graveside will be following the service at Wesleyanna Cemetery in Florence.

Tom was born on October 5, 1943, to Thomas Pettit Dudley Sr. and Myrtle Virginia Walker in Vicksburg, MS. Tom was the owner and operator of Dudley’s Kiddie Amusements for 35 years. Everyone in the vending machine amusement industry knew Tom Dudley and Dudley’s Kiddie Amusements for its quality product and service. After retiring from the vending machine business, Tom became a bus driver for the Rankin County School District, driving bus 424 for many years. He loved his time as a bus driver, the students who rode his bus, and his fellow bus drivers and RCSD staff. As a child, Tom’s mother taught him to sing, which developed into a life-long passion for music, especially Gospel music. Tom loved quartets, especially the Gaither Vocal Band, and his love was passed on to his children. Tom’s life was filled with many other passions, he loved his family, music, animals, and good barbecue. Tom also enjoyed roller skating, motorcycles, and water skiing. He will be missed but the memories his children share of him will continue to bring them happiness in his absence.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents. His children survive him, Patti Lynn Courtney (Troy) of Florence, Candi Dawson of Utica, Thomas P. Dudley III (Janice) of Florence, and Ashley V. Ball (Zack) of Florence; sister, Deborah Ann Dye of Jackson; and his grandchildren, Caleb, Cody, and Cameron Courtney, Daley and Candalynn Dawson, Anna Kate and Allie Jane Dudley, Conner, Kylie, Bryson, and Aiden Ball.

Instead of flowers donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Research.