William Dudley graduated from Castle Heights Military Academy in Lebanon, Tennessee and then attended Tulane University, graduating in 1953 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He competed for Tulane at the club level, as they had no varsity swimming, and the New Orleans Athletic Club. In 1965 Dudley founded Dudley Engineering Co., a manufacturer’s representative for HVAC equipment, which was the business he operated until his death at a young age. He was a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers; the Manufacturers Agents National Association; and the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce.