James Edward Dudley, III

In Loving Memory

James Edward Dudley, III

December 3,1958 – July 26, 2025

James (Jim) Edward Dudley III, passed away on July 26, 2025, at MUSC Hospital in Charleston, SC at the age of 66.

Born on December 3, 1958, at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, SC to James Edward Jr. and Ruth Lynne Eidson Dudley. Jim was raised in an Air Force family. Before the family made it to their home in Bennettsville, his childhood took him across the globe and country-From Paris, France, Arlington, Virginia, to Montgomery, Alabama. After the family settled in South Carolina, he graduated from Marlboro Academy and later earned his degree from Chesterfield-Marlboro Technical College.

Jim was known throughout Bennettsville as the “Lawn Mower Man,” a nickname that reflected both his profession and his dedication to helping others. He worked in the lawn and garden business and ran a small engine repair shop, earning the trust and appreciation of his community through hard work and kindness.

Jim had a deep love of music and a gift for writing poetry, often expressing his thoughts and emotions through verse. He was a longtime member of First Presbyterian Church in Bennettsville. A passionate sports fan, James cheered faithfully for the Auburn Tigers and his St. Louis Cardinals.

He was preceded in death by his previously mentioned parents, James and Ruth. He is survived by his sister, Anna Jane Dudley Senseney, M.D; his nephew, Charles Matthew Senseney; and many cousins who will remember him with love and affection. He is also survived by Sophie, his beloved cat of 25 years.

Jim will be remembered for his gentle spirit, his quiet strength, and the warmth he brought to those around him. His legacy lives on by the lives he touched and the memories he leaves behind.

A funeral service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Bennettsville, SC at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, 2025.  At 1:00 p.m., prior to the service, a visitation will be held in Brogdon Hall at the Presbyterian Church. An entombment will take place after the service at Dudley-Drake Cemetery in Blenheim, SC.

Donations may be made to FPC Bennettsville, St. Jude’s Children Hospital, and the Wounded Warrior Project, in honor of Jim’s life and passions.

The staff at Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to serve the Dudley family.

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