Dudley Burrell

Dudley Brown Burrell was born on February 4, 1940, in Columbia, Mississippi to the late Ulysses Burrell and Irena March Burrell. Dudley, known as Hubert by his family, and the “Little Speedster” by classmates, was the fifth of six children. Raised in Chebanse, Illinois, he graduated from Central High School. Dudley went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from Olivet Nazarene University and completed work towards a Master of Science degree in Biology Sciences and Entomology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. A proud member of the United States Air Force, he served until being honorably discharged in 1962. He met and fell in love with Willie Pearl (Billie) Lamb and married in 1961, to whom five children were born. They lived in San Antonio, Texas, Champaign, Illinois, and Saskatchewan, Canada but would eventually call Kankakee, Illinois home. While Dudley and Billie ended their legal union, they continued in their business together until his retirement. Work, family and friends, and a constant yearning to learn about the world around him were his core motivators. His mother modeled for him a passion for family and friends. The work ethic he learned from his father, the mentoring he received from an older brother, William “Bill” Burrell and the inspiration from Tom Jones who was the only visible Black businessman in the community during the 1960’s. These are the people that supported his dream to be able to create affordable and safe housing for Black residents within the community. He credited his family and desire to provide opportunities for all his children to go to college for his sustained commitment to his work, even when much of his work was embattled. Dudley was a real estate developer who began his career with the purchase of his first building in 1965 with his business partner and former wife, Willie P. Burrell. They turned this small investment into two thriving companies called New World Development and B&D Management. It was in the early 1980’s when New World Development embarked on one of their most significant projects. The company was able to secure and create a significant relationship with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development known as HUD. This allowed Black residents in Kankakee to have access to new and affordable housing during a depressed economy. The project alone brought several million dollars into the city of Kankakee with purchase of material and employment opportunities. Additionally, the commercial portion of the Renaissance project created an opportunity for New World Development and B&D Management to become one of few Black developers and property management companies across the country at that time to enter a federal contract to manage the property for the Social Security Administration. This lease was held by B&D Management for over 22 years. Dudley was involved in the community and served as a former member of the Black Contractors United of Chicago, Kankakee Landlord Association and the NAACP. Even after retirement, Dudley's main “hobby” was work. When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed fishing, listening to music and traveling. And he developed a love for wine in his later years. He was an incredible conversationalist and storyteller and enjoyed talking to people from different backgrounds. Dudley was a huge fan of his grandchildren- supporting them in special school events, encouraging them about the importance of a fine education and cheering them on at their sporting events. You could always hear him in the stands or from the sidelines. Dudley departed this life on November 12th surrounded by his children who mourn his memory and life: Derek Steven Burrell of Kankakee, IL, Todd Allen (Zinia) Burrell of Kankakee, IL, Jose Murray of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Kara Denise (Sherman) Wright of Chicago, Il, Kyron Douglas Burrell of Kankakee, IL and Nicole (Toussaint) Werner of Chicago, IL. He also leaves two godchildren, Songa Burrell and Kimberly Pitts, nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins and siblings Eddie (Peggy) Burrell Sr. of Chicago, IL, Louis Burrell and Mary Yolanda Gant of Kankakee, IL, brother-in-law, William McCrary, Decatur, GA and sister-in-love, Delores Burrell of Aurora, IL. Preceding him in death include his parents, Ulysses and Irena Burrell, brother William Bill Burrell, brother Clifton and his wife, Ann Burrell, and sister, Hattie B McCrary.

Tributes

Dudley Burrell

February 4, 1940 - November 12, 2023