Gerald A. "Rudy" Rudisill, Jr.

April 2, 2026

Gerald A. "Rudy" Rudisill, Jr. passed away peacefully in Charlotte, North Carolina, on April 2, 2026. Born in Badin, North Carolina, Rudy was the son of the late Gerald "Jake" Alton Rudisill and Virginia Garrison Rudisill. Raised alongside his three siblings and surrounded by a large extended family in Badin and Stanly County, he carried a deep pride in his roots and the community that shaped his character.

After graduating from Badin High School, Rudy earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, remaining a devoted Tar Heel throughout his life. In 1966, he was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army after completing Officer Candidate School. He later served in Vietnam, where his experiences strengthened both his compassion for others and his lifelong commitment to service.

In 1970, Rudy joined the North Carolina National Guard, beginning a distinguished career marked by steady leadership and unwavering dedication. Over the years, he held numerous command and operational roles, ultimately rising to the rank of Major General. In 1993, he was appointed Adjutant General of the North Carolina National Guard, where he led more than 11,500 soldiers and airmen with integrity and pride. In 2001, he was called to serve at the Pentagon as Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for National Guard matters, a role he held until 2003. His many honors include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Legion of Merit.

Following his military service, Rudy continued his commitment to public service in Raleigh, North Carolina, serving from 2003 to 2014 as Chief Deputy Secretary of the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety and later as Chief Deputy Secretary for the Law Enforcement Division of the North Carolina Department of Public Safety. After retiring from state government, he returned to Charlotte, where he remained active in the community through his work with the Greater YMCA of Charlotte.

Rudy devoted his life to serving his country, his state, and the communities he loved. He was deeply involved in organizations including the Boy Scouts of America, the YMCA, Kiwanis, Rotary, and the Triangle Red Cross Board of Directors. His many recognitions include the North Carolina Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. A man of deep and abiding faith, Rudy was a longtime devoted member of Sardis Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, where he found fellowship, purpose, and spiritual grounding.

He is survived by his son, Brian Rudisill (Tricia); his wife, Sue Rudisill; and his cherished grandchildren, Elizabeth-whom he affectionately called "Little Darlin"-and Ben Rudisill, all of Charlotte. He found his greatest joy in time spent with his grandchildren, creating lasting memories fishing, at the beach, and at the Harris YMCA. He is also survived by his loving siblings, Betty Huneycutt of Burlington, William "Bill" Rudisill of Wilmington, and David Rudisill (Margaret) of Mount Gilead, as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews whom he dearly loved.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of The Southminster Community for their compassionate care.

Rudy lived a life defined by duty, humility, faith, and service to others. He led with strength, cared deeply for those around him, and left a lasting impact on all who knew him. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, the institutions he strengthened, and the family he loved so dearly.

A soldier to the end-steadfast, proud, and faithful. HOOAH.

A funeral service to celebrate Rudy's life will be held on May 2, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Sardis Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to The NC National Guard Soldiers and Airmen Assistance Fund, 7410 Chapel Hill Road Raleigh, NC 27607.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Wallace Blankenship Sr

    Sending Prayers for God's Comfort during this sad time God Bless ??

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  • Fred E Handsel Jr

    He was a fine gentleman who worked tirelessly for others. It was an honor to serve with him and under him at NCDCCPS. May he continue to stay busy and working for others under God's command in Heaven

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  • Paul H. Vivian, Colonel (Retired)

    General Rudisill was an officer and a gentleman in the true sense of the phrase. He played a pivotal role in the development of the North Carolina Army National Guard taking the 2-120th Infantry to NTC where it preformed with distinction. Later as the first National Guard Special Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff he helped ensure that the interests of all National Guard units were represented to the Chairman and to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He was a fine man who took care of his soldiers and airmen. I will miss him.

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  • Donald Carroll

    RIP General. We served together for many years. He was a true leader who exemplified the military’s Mission, Men, Self rules. He will be missed by all who knew him in the military community. A soldier who served many years and was dedicated to always striving to improve the readiness of the NCNG and the state of North Carolina. Praying for his family and friends. Donald Carroll

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  • Linda Roers

    I knew Rudy from the late 1980's through my time near Washington, DC while deployed to Andrews AFB shortly after 911.
    In my mind, he was the consummate American, serving God, Country, Family and Friends.
    His integrity leading the Army and Air National Guard was rock solid and unshakable.
    As he rose to the rank of two star general, he never ceased to be a common and good man, relating to and serving all.
    My condolences to his family and all who loved and cherished him.
    He was a good one!!
    Linda

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  • Roger J Melville Jr

    All our love ❤️ and affection for family and friends. So sorry for your great loss of our honorable Gen "Rudy" Rudisill. No doubt he is on a heavenly mission now. Very proud of his life and honorable service to our NCNG. Saluting with honor, Roger Melville

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  • Michael C. Mills

    My first C.O. after basic and ait 1971 at Ft. Knox Kentucky, one of the best officers that I ever served under. He would come out in the field to talk to us after he made Major and was assigned to Raleigh .He always had time for to see you .Rest In Peace my friend,"This We'll Defend ."

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  • Chaplain Bill Karabinos

    Sue and Brian, please accept the condolences of the Troopers of the 11th Armored Cavalry's veterans of Vietnam and Cambodia. Rudy was a dedicated and hard-charging warrior, one of us, one of our own. He served courageously with the Legendary Blackhorse Regiment as a Platoon Leader in E Troop in 1967/68 and will be remembered as an honorable troop leader whose very presence brought comfort and support to his fellow troopers. His name will be included on the Honor Roll of our combat veterans and may all generations call him blessed as he was willing in the spirit of America to sacrifice and take up arms to protect and care for his fellow man. His service in Vietnam highlighted his bravery and valor and was guided with the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. His continued service to his country and community culd only enhance the bravery and dedication of a truly patriotic man. As grateful Americans we should all pause and salute a man who was willing to put his life on the line for his country. As our burial liturgy states: “ … his life has not ended, merely changed ..." and as we were together then in Vietnam, we will be together again in the life hereafter, warmly embraced in the arms of our Heavenly Father.
    Chaplain Bill, 11th ACVVC (Vietnam 71-72)

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  • Chuck Rice

    I remember when my wife, Kathie worked for Nations Bank now BAC and he was there and there was a shooting at Fort Bragg where our son was stationed and was in area of shooting. He made some inquiries and found he was ok. He also spoke to our Church group later and spoke of the time he was at the Pentagon on 911 and was evacuated. Thank you for your service and being an honorable man. Peace be with you.

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  • CSM RET Malcolm W Calhoun

    When I first met MG Rudissil I was a SSG E-6 in the Signal Company in Winston -Salem. MG Rudissil personality came to inform our unit members that our unit was "going away" being replaced by a HET unit. Therefore we could integrate into the Artillery unit in Winston -Salem or search for other units. Very direct and to the point. I chose to go to Charlotte NC. Great decision. MG Rudissil then became my Carolina Panthers hook up. Thanks Sir and Rest In Peace. CSM RET MALCOLM W CALHOUN ??

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