Rudy Dale Pauley, Jr., 71, of Alum Creek, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at CAMC-Memorial, Charleston, WV. He was preceded in death by his father, Rudy D. Pauley, Sr., aunt, Patty Spaulding and her son, Kevin Miller, mother & father-in-law, Tom & Lois Stevens, sister-in-law, Linda Clark, niece, Kelly Curry, and great-nephew, Ian Frampton.
He earned his Doctorate in Leadership Studies from WVU, Educational Specialist Degree in Superintendency and MA Degree in Counseling from Marshall University. His undergraduate degree was from Liberty University, and he also attended Morris Harvey College and WV State College. He was a 1970 graduate of Duval High School. He often said that ‘people don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care’.
While employed by Marshall University he served as a Professor and Interim Dean and was Associate Vice President for Outreach & Continuing Studies when he retired. In 2002, Rudy was nationally recognized for his role in developing online learning in WV as the recipient of the national award for “Innovative Excellence in Teaching, Learning and Technology” and in 2005 he was the recipient of the MU-Dr. Carolyn Hunter Distinguished Faculty Service Award.
Before deciding to continue his education, he worked for BRIT Tire Company (family business), Tim Runyan Realty Company and Lincoln County Schools. He was an active member of the Alum Creek Lions Club. In his youth Dale attended Cobbs Creek Missionary Baptist Church and Camp Cowen. Dale loved to cook meals for family, friends and the Lions Club. During his life he had many different hobbies, but in retirement his fishing trips were special times.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 52 years, Beverly Joy Pauley, mother, Virginia Pauley and brother Rick (Yvonne) Pauley, Sod, WV. Sisters & Brothers-in-law, Gail (Randy) Curry of Alum Creek, WV, and Debbie (David) Bailey of Greer, SC, & T.R. “Tom” Stevens, (Linda Combs) of Charleston, WV.
Of all the titles he had, being called, “Uncle Dale” was his favorite. He is survived by nephews & nieces, Sarah (Jamie) Thompson, Alum Creek, Corey & Dawn Clark, Conover, NC, Kristin & Travis Halstead, Elkview, WV, Heath Curry, Alum Creek, Haley (David) Miles, Cape Town, South Africa, Leslie & Clyde McKnight, Hubert, NC, Rockne & Lauren Stevens, Dunbar, WV, and Olivia Stevens Beck & Brett, Nitro, WV, Joey (Jennifer) Bailey, & Adam Bailey of Greer, SC, and his Aunt Kay (Duke) Belcher, Satsuma, FL.
Great-Nephews & Great-Nieces, Sarah, Grant, Joshua “Sugar Bear”, Jacob, Luke, Colt, Kylie Joy, Caden, Gavin, Vivian, Fiona, Maverick, Belle, Taylor, Connor, Jakob, Noelle, Lily Joy, Bella and Asher, and many friends, family and wonderful neighbors.
Service will be 3:00pm Sunday, October 13, 2024, at Curry Funeral Home, Alum Creek, with Great-Nephew, Jakob Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Lively Cemetery, Sod, WV.
Visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00pm prior to the service at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alum Creek Lions Club, P.O. Box 224, Alum Creek, WV 25003.
Special thanks to CAMC – Medical Team Open Heart Recovery, who worked tirelessly on the front lines and behind the scenes.
I would like to offer my condolences to the family of Rudy Pauley. We attended graduate school at Marshall (COGS) together in the 1990s. I remember him fondly and appreciated his steadiness and sensibility.
Beverly and family,
So very sorry to hear of your precious Dale’s passing. He was such an intelligent, talented and giving individual not only for his family but for many civic contributions as well.
We remember also, he was one of the Best Cooks at the Lions Club for many of the events they hosted over the years. He will be missed greatly.
May God comfort you as only he can do during this time and in the days ahead.
Love,
Sandy & Marshall Pauley
My deepest sympathy to Beverly, to Dale’s mother, to Rick and to all the family in this loss. I feel the loss, too. Dale was a wonderful and kind man who did so much for others. I treasure our friendship–lack words to express my deep sadness. My prayers and love are with you.
Dear Beverly and family, you and Dale will always have a special place in our hearts. Your friendship is special. You are in our prayers and thoughts. May the grace and comfort of our Lord, Jesus Christ sustain and comfort each of you. George and Pat Pauley.
Hugs and prayers to cousin Rudy and the family!!
My deepest sympathy to Beverly, to Dale’s mother, to Rick and to all the family of Dale. Dale was a kind and wonderful person who meant so much to so many. He cared about people. Our friendship goes back to childhood. I treasure the friendship and will miss him greatly. Love and prayers.