Earl Barrett Rudisill

Earl Barrett Rudisill 97 of Huntington, West Virginia was born on November 7, 1916 in Huntington a son of the late Roy Ward and Lilage Rudisill. Mr. Rudisill graduated from Douglass High School and earned an engineering degree from Hampton University. He later attended West Virginia State University in preparation for entering into the Signal Corp during World War II. During World War II, African Americans had been barred from integrating with Caucasian squadrons. As a result, civil rights groups persuaded the government to create African-American squadrons and Mr. Rudisill became part of the Tuskegee Airmen's 332nd group. Mr. Rudisill was head of the 1000 signal corps communication air to ground Tuskegee Airmen group for the P-51 mustang, P-39, and P-40 aircraft during World War II. In 2007 Mr. Rudisill received the Congressional Gold Medal Of Honor, an accomplishment he thought would never happen. He installed the first radio transmitter in the P-51 mustangs, which later became an overwhelming success during combat operations against the German Luftwaffe. He served in Italy during WW II. His last duty station was in Chicago, IL. He served also with Mac Ross and Wiley Seldon, two of the first pilots in the 332 Tuskegee Air Group with their commanding officer General Benjamin O. Davis. He never boasted about being a Tuskegee Airmen and always spoke in a soft voice when responding to questions about his war experiences. He was an amazing figure who lived his life as a role model for other generations to appreciate. Mr. Rudisill's example of becoming successful as an Airman when fighting two wars, one against the Germans and the other against racism, leaves behind a legacy for other generations to follow. "You can be successful in life, regardless of your situation, if you continue to focus on your objectives" said Mr. Rudisill. Mr. Rudisill retired from Boeing Aviation Testing Facility in Tulsa, OK where he continued to service electronic equipment for aircraft. He also enjoyed his long-standing membership with the OWL's, a social club. He was a member of the First Baptist Church, Huntington, WV. On Thursday, January 23, 2014 Earl was called from labor to reward from the Zusman Community Hospice , Columbus, Ohio. He went to join his parents, Roy and Lilage, His wife Vida Mae Loar Rudisill, grandson Jerry Meadows and other friends and loved ones who preceded him in death. He leaves to cherish his memories a daughter, Edwina Meadows, son Eddie McGee, grandchildren, Deborah Meadows, Floyd Meadows, Mike Meadows, all of Columbus, Ohio, Angela Glover of Dayton, Ohio. great-granddaughter Brittany Meadows, great-great granddaughter Londyn Kenny and special thanks to Amanda Davis. Services will be 1:00 P.M. Friday, January 31, 2014 at Woodmere Memorial Park Abby of Remembrance (Avondale Road) with the Reverend Roy E. Terry, officiating. Entombment with full military honors will follow. Friends may call from 12:30 P.M. until the time of service in the Abby of Remembrance. 14-009

Earl Barrett Rudisill

November 7, 1916 - January 23, 2014