Dr. William H. Tudor

Dr. William H. Tudor, 95, passed away Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Telford Terrace in Richmond, Kentucky. Bill was born on January 29, 1930, to Virgil A. Tudor and Florence Griggs in Richmond. He follows the death of his beloved wife, Anna Victorine Walker (Vickie), his brother Charles Allen Tudor, and his sisters Katherine Tudor Cotton and Verda Tudor Swaner Coy. He is survived by his daughters, Wayne Tudor of Lexington, and Verda Tudor of Louisville, as well as nephews; Russell H. Cotton ( Betty) of Danville, Michael Martin of Madison, Ala., and David Martin of St. Petersburg, Fla.; nieces,; Dr. Kathy Cotton of Tucson, Ariz., Anne C Fowler (Guy) of Danville, Carol T Thomas (Don), Cynthia T Stover (Charles) both of Richmond, Lisa T Middleton (Jeff) of Louisville, Susan Lambert Wink (Brian) of Owensboro, and Mary Martin Vanover of Gainsville, Ga.

In 1939, at age 9, Bill moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with his family, where he loves to say he learned how to smoke and drink. In 1944, his family returned to Richmond, where Bill attended Madison High School. After graduating, he attended Eastern Kentucky State Teachers’ College, majoring in Industrial Arts and graduating in 1951. With his degree in hand, he opened a business with Owen Park to produce custom-made furniture, but due to being drafted during the Korean War, the business quickly closed. Bill was stationed at Camp Breckenridge and enrolled in Officer Candidate School, where he trained troops in small arms. After leaving active duty, he was in the Army Reserves, where he advanced to the rank of First Lieutenant. After leaving the military, Bill taught at Valley View High in Louisville. During this time, he decided to enter dentistry. In 1958, he began classes at the University of Louisville and graduated in 1962. Bill practiced in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a year before returning to Richmond with Vickie and the girls. He opened up a practice in downtown Richmond for several years before building a dental office on the Richmond bypass. Here, he created a large and successful practice for 30 years before retiring in 1993 due to health issues. He loved his patients and always remarked that there was never a morning when he did not want to go to work. In addition to his dentistry, Bill was an accomplished craftsman creating beautiful furniture, carvings, and homes. After retiring, he still wanted to give back to his community and subsequently served for 12 years as the fourth-district magistrate in Madison County. He was also a long-time member and elder of the First Christian Church in Richmond, as well as attending the Mount Zion Christian Church.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at Oldham, Roberts & Powell Funeral Home, with Rev. Roger Hurt officiating. Burial with military honors will follow in the Richmond Cemetery.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until the time of service on Saturday, July 19th, at the funeral home.

Bill had a thirst for life and living. He loved to learn about any and all subjects, especially American and world history. He was well-versed in Madison County’s historical past and loved to share his knowledge of Richmond and the surrounding towns. Family came first for him, as well as a loving circle of friends. He was especially proud of his military service and was a patriotic American. He will be missed by many. God Bless Dr. William H.Tudor.