FAIRPORT—Joseph Dudley Biddlecomb passed away at his Fairport home on Thursday, October 9, 2025, leaving behind many friends and family members who were influenced by a well-lived life.
Dudley was born in Fairport on November 5, 1936, to Mariah McCoullagh and Walter J. Biddlecomb on the banks of Cockrell Creek where he developed a love for the water and the culture of the Chesapeake Bay. From the time he could walk, he worked alongside his father on the boat that still bears his name. From fishing pound nets to dredging oysters, he immersed himself in harvesting the bay’s bounties.
One of his earliest memories was riding to school in a skiff past all the fishermen bringing in their catch as he was about to start his day. After graduating from the recently opened Northumberland High School, Dudley traveled north to New York where he worked on a menhaden steamer for Captain Urban Haynie out of Greenport, New York.
Drafted into the Army, Dudley served for two years, specializing in surveillance and target drone aircraft at Fort Bliss, Texas. With his service complete, Dudley returned to Fairport and took up the family business of pound net fishing aboard a converted deadrise named “Fred” after his younger brother. With his brother Fred and brother-in-law F. Ray Rogers Jr., they formed BRB Fish Corporation, selling seafood, menhaden, crabs and oysters. He once was quoted as saying, “we call them pound nets because they catch pounds of everything.”
He would go on to build his current home in Fairport with the help of friend Capt. Charlie Rice from plans he read in a real estate magazine. Dudley’s interest in real estate guided him to work on the side as a realtor. With these skills, he and friends invested in the Coopers Landing community on the Great Wicomico River near Horsehead.
After retiring, Dudley maintained his love of history and waterman’s heritage by volunteering with the Reedville Fisherman’s Museum and offering lectures and waterman’s culture for the University of Virginia.
Dudley was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church in Fleeton and American Legion Post 117 in Reedville. He was the former master of Reedville Masonic Lodge 321 AF&AM and always volunteered in activities sponsored by the Greater Reedville Association.
Dudley was predeceased by his daughter, Amy.
He is survived by his wife, Anita; son Alfred (Terri); and son-in-law, Richard Hunter Beane. His grandchildren include Andrew and Samantha Biddlecomb and Richard Hunter Beane III.
Visitation will be offered from 5-7 p.m. Friday, October 17, at Currie Funeral Home in Kilmarnock. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, October 18, at Roseland Cemetery in Reedville.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum or the charity of your choice.
