Andrew Luther Dudley

Andrew Luther Dudley, of Leatherwood, Virginia, passed away listening to Johnny Cash, with his family by his side in the early morning hours of Saturday, September 6th. He was 82 years old. “Andy,” as he was better known by family and friends, was born alongside his twin sister Audrey on September 21, 1942, to Emma Hilda Cundiff and Stuart Jesse Dudley in Franklin County, Virginia. He grew up on a tobacco farm in Union Hall and graduated from Franklin County High School in 1960. After graduation, Andy proudly served in the Army National Guard. Andy began his career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, testing concrete during the construction of the Smith Mountain Lake Dam. He worked for Williams Ready Mix Co. and later deciding to establish his own concrete construction business, Dudley Construction. In the late 1970s, Andy opened two hardware and auto supply stores: Western Auto in Bassett and Laurel Park Hardware & Auto. His true passion; however, emerged in the 1990s after building his own home in Leatherwood. The experience inspired him to found Andy Dudley Cedar Homes, which went on to build many custom homes still enjoyed by families today. Andy was married three times, first to Mary D. Dudley and later to Lynn R. Mason. 

He is survived by his third wife, Joyce R. Marts. Andy had a deep love for country and bluegrass music. He played several instruments, including the acoustic guitar, autoharp, and steel guitar. He spent many joyful hours in his camper along the Bluegrass music’s Crooked Road Trail thru Floyd County and festivals in Galax. Also, an avid outdoorsman, Andy enjoyed hunting both small and large game, but especially loved bird hunting (quail and grouse) and training his beloved English Setters and Pointers. Andy is survived by his wife, Joyce; his children, Catherine Lynn Dudley Tatum and Andrew Lee Dudley (by his first wife Mary); four grandchildren—Racheal, Jon, Henry, and Adam; and two great-grandchildren, Jiwoo and Xander. He is also survived by his brothers, Carl and Kenneth; his sisters, Audrey, Janice, Norene; and his half-sister, Darla. Preceded in death by his sister Louise. 

The family would like to express heartfelt gratitude to the generous and kind caregivers who supported Andy in the final months of his life: Mary Hairston, Debbie Tholance, and Shelia Reynolds. The Carilion Hospice team also provided invaluable compassion and care, with special thanks to Heather, Cece, Stephany, Alice, and Heidi for their dedication and support during Andy’s final journey. 

Please consider contribution in Andrew Dudley’s name to the Franklin County Historical Society, PO Box 905, Rocky Mount, VA 24151: referencing Twin Chimney’s or to Mt. Ivy Christian Church, 5120 Scruggs Rd., Moneta, VA 24121.

A celebration of his life along with the scattering of his remains will be conducted 11:00 AM Friday, September 12, 2025 at the Gwin Dudley home site known locally as the Twin Chimney's, Twin Chimney's Drive, Wirtz, VA 24184 with Steve Pasley, Minister officiating.

Arrangements by Conner-Bowman Funeral Home & Crematory, 62 VA Market Place Drive.