Sad News of Bill Dudley's Passing

We received the sad news that Bill Dudley passed away this last Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011. Our hearts go out to Bill's wife Wanda and their family. The bottle collecting hobby has lost a legend, and he will be missed and fondly remembered by many.

Bill has been a good friend and mentor to many collecors, sharing his knwledge freely, and helping to shape the fruit jar collecting hobby. He was at one time called "Mr. Wax Sealer." He is now and has been known for many years in the collecting community as "Mr. Hemingray".


Recently Bruce Schank profiled Bill in the Legends of the Jars article series. You can read it here.

Funeral details below.

• The viewing will be 5:00pm – 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 23rd at the McColaugh Funeral Home, 826 N. Detroit St., Xenia, Ohio.
• The funeral service will be 11:00am on Thursday, February 24th.
• http://www.mccolaughfuneralhome.com/
• In lieu of flowers, people may wish to make memorial donations to the Hospice of Dayton, Ohio.
• http://www.hospiceofdayton.org/

Bill's obituary from the Xenia Gazette newspaper:

William Albert Dudley


William Albert Dudley, age 87, of Xenia, passed away Sunday, February 20, 2011 at Hospice of Dayton. He was born June 9, 1923 in Dayton, OH. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Albert Dudley; and mother, Ruby South Siefer.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Wanda; sons: Mike Dudley of Englewood and Bill (Amy) Dudley of Mason; daughters: April Gilmore of Vandalia and Jenny (David) Lindsey of Xenia; grandsons: Kyle (Abby) Dudley; Matthew and Curtis Lindsey; Lance Dudley; David (Ann Marie) Gilmore and Chris Gilmore; great-grandchildren: Aidan and Cianne Gilmore.

He was a 1941 Graduate of Roosevelt High School. He served in the U.S. Navy during WW II and was involved in the Battle at Guadalcanal on the USS Portland. He retired as Captain of the Wright Patterson AFB Fire Dept. in 1974.

Bill was a 50 year member of the Xenia Lodge #49 F&AM; and Life Member of the following organizations: Federation of Historical Bottle Collectors; Midwest Antique Fruit Jar & Bottle Club; and the Ohio Bottle Club.

• Funeral services will be held 11 am Thursday, February 24, 2011 at McColaugh Funeral Home, 826 N. Detroit St., Xenia, with Pastor Ken Day and his grandson, Curtis Lindsey officiating.

• Interment will follow the services at the Woodland Cemetery, Xenia.

• Friends may call Wednesday evening from 5-7 pm at the funeral home.

• Masonic services will be held 7 pm Wednesday evening at the funeral home.

• In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton.

• Online condolences may be made to the family at http://www.mccolaughfuneralhome.com/.