He was the son of Jefferson and Maude Caudill, and was born in Leslie County, Ky., in 1921. Following graduation from high school, he enlisted for military service.
His distinguished Air Force career spanned 27 years and included service in World War II, Korea, Vietnam and at the Pentagon. He rose in rank from an enlisted man to colonel and received numerous commendations and medals, including the Legion of Merit. During his military career, he received a bachelor’s degree from the University of California at Berkley, a master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh, and a Ph.D. from American University in Washington, D.C. He retired from the Air Force in 1967.
Following his military service, he became a professor and academic administrator. He served as dean of the College of Business at American University. He was a member of the faculty of the Department of Management at Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C., for 24 years, serving as department chair for many years.
After retiring from Guilford, he had more time for his passions: fishing, hunting, reading and spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed time mentoring his grandchildren. He was never without a smile on his face, a twinkle in his eye, and a good tale to be told.
He was a member of the Scottish Rite Order of Freemasons in both Washington, D.C., and Greensboro, the Oasis Shriners Temple in Charlotte, N.C., and an honorary Kentucky Colonel.
He is survived by his four children: Aprell (John) Taylor of Winston Salem, N.C., Charles (Dotti) Caudill of Cleveland, Rhoda (Joe) Icerman of Tallahassee, Fla., and Edwin (Benita) Caudill of Winston Salem, N.C.; seven grandchildren: Jonathan Taylor, David Taylor, Jefferson Caudill, Leigh Caudill, Jason Icerman, Brian Icerman and Samuel Caudill; and his sister, Frances Wooten of Wooton, Ky.
The family expresses their sincere appreciation and gratitude to Ludmilla Rogers and her family, Cameron, Judy, Faris, and Rachael of Salisbury for the comfort, care and love shown to him during his later years.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday at Powles Funeral Home in Rockwell, N.C.
The funeral will be held at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 10, 2012, in the chapel of the funeral home.
Interment will follow at Salisbury National Cemetery.
Online condolences may be made at www.powlesfuneralhome.com.
