Dudley graduated from Lebanon, Tennessee's Castle Heights Military Academy, and captained their Swim team in 1947.

[2][3] Dudley finished a close second in the 200-meter finals at the 1948 Olympic trials in Detroit, Michigan, with a time of 2:14.5, just behind Walley Wolf of Beverly Hill, California.

The American team's anchorman Bill Smith opened a slight lead, which he maintained till the end of the race.

During his time at Tulane, he became the Southeastern Conference Champion and won AAU titles in the junior and senior 220-yard freestyles.

He was also a member of the Manufacturers Agents National Association, and as an active businessman, participated in the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.