Willie James McDuffie, husband of Julia Bradley McDuffie, died Saturday, August 27, 2016 at his home surrounded by family and friends after long illness. Born on June 20, 1934, he was the son of the late Sammie Lee and Dora Odom McDuffie.
After graduating from Lincoln High School he served in the United States Marines. He attended Morris College. After his marriage to Julia, he relocated to New Jersey and received his Certification as a Refrigeration Engineer from Lincoln Technical School in Irvington, New Jersey. He retired from Atmos Engineering in New Jersey after 35 years of meritorious service and moved back to his hometown, Sumter, SC.
He was a faithful member of Abyssinian Baptist Church in Newark New Jersey, life member of the Refrigeration Engineers Society and a role model, mentor and big brother to family members and young men in the community. He devoted much of his time and energy helping family members, neighbors and friends repairing and maintaining their homes. He had a great sense of humor and created the adjective Dadbob to let you know when he wasn't pleased. His motto was "If you can't do it right, don't do it at all…..
In addition to his loving wife of 59 years, he is survived by two daughters, Valerie Sullivan and Doreen McDuffie of Irvington, NJ; two sons Frederick McDuffie of Irvington and Charles Bradley of Sumter; three sisters, Sarah Anthony of Rochester, New York, Hester Spann and Linda McDuffie of Sumter; one brother Marion McDuffie (Barbara) of East Orange, New Jersey; nine grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Leslie, and two sisters, Beverly and Paulina McDuffie.
Public Viewing will be held on Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 2-6pm at Job's Mortuary Inc.,
Mr. McDuffie will be placed in the church on Fri. at 12noon for viewing until the hour of service.
Funeral Services will be held on Fri. September 2, 2016 at 1pm at Mulberry Missionary Baptist Church 1400 Mulberry Church Road, Sumter with Rev. Dr. Nate Brock, Officiating Pastor.
Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.
Family will be receiving friends at the home 147 Lincoln Ave, Sumter