Zulu 'grand marshal of them all' Harold Dudley dies at age 80
Times Picayune October 14, 2009


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Harold Dudley, who imparted a somber grandeur to the funeral processions he led for three decades
as grand marshal of the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club, died Friday at his New Orleans home.
He was 80.

harold_dudley.JPGTed Jackson/The Times Picayune Harold Dudley held the title of grand marshal of
the Zulu Social Aid and Pleasure Club from 1974 until his retirement 30 years later.

Mr. Dudley "was the grand marshal of them all," said longtime friend Clarence Becnel, Zulu
historian.

Wearing his sash, Zulu blazer and white gloves, with a black straw hat in his hand, "Dudley had
his own way -- very solemn, eyes closed," Becnel said. "He put himself into it. You could see it.
Whether he knew the guy or not, it was a performance."

As grand marshal, a title he held from 1974 until his retirement 30 years later, Mr. Dudley had
other roles, including visiting sick Zulu members, comforting their families and, when the time
came, making funeral arrangements, Becnel said.

But Mr. Dudley, who was named honorary grand marshal after his retirement, was best known for
holding the lead spot in funeral processions.

"We have a joke in Zulu," Becnel said. "If you were in the hospital and you knew Dudley was
coming, you woke up right away. You recuperated fast."

A lifelong New Orleanian, Mr. Dudley learned about music and performing in his youth, when he
hung around jazz clubs on South Rampart Street, Becnel said.

"To be around guys like that, you can't help but be involved," he said.

Before joining Zulu, Mr. Dudley had been the grand marshal of the Jolly Bunch Social Aid and
Pleasure Club since 1947, Becnel said.

A Korean War veteran, Mason and member of the Broadway Sportsman's Club, Mr. Dudley had retired
from Dixie Concrete and was driving a taxi for United Cabs until shortly before his death, Becnel
said.

"He was a man who loved what he did," Becnel said. "He was proud to be a cab driver. . . . He
wasn't a status person. He drove cabs during the day; being grand marshal was part of his . . .
community involvement."

Survivors include his companion, Olivia Snodgrass, and four grandchildren.

A visitation will be held Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Rhodes Chapel, 3933 Washington Ave.

A funeral will be held Saturday at 9 a.m. at St. James Methodist Church, 1925 Ursulines Ave.
Visitation will begin at 8 a.m.

Burial will be in Resthaven Memorial Park.