Joel Wayne “Dobie” McDuffie, 73, of Ocilla, Georgia, died Monday, September 6, 2021, at Dorminy Medical Center in Fitzgerald, Georgia.
Funeral services will be held Friday, September 10, 2021, at 11 AM, at The Paulk Funeral Home Chapel in Fitzgerald, with the Rev. Dewain Joiner officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Fitzgerald, Georgia. The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the services at the funeral home. The family asks that no one attend if they have had COVID-19 during the past 14 days, been exposed, or is sick.
Mr. McDuffie was born September 16, 1947, in Macon, Georgia, to the late Emmett and Leno McDuffie. A graduate from Wilcox County High School, Mr. McDuffie was retired from Eaton Aeroquip. Mr. McDuffie served honorably in the United States Army, during the Vietnam era. He was an avid fisherman and hunter who also enjoyed gardening, giving away vegetables every year. He loved to fry fish for his family and friends and was most proud of being a Grandpa to his “bug.” As a long-time member of the Fitzgerald Church of God, Mr. McDuffie was an usher and enjoyed working on the grounds at the church.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Teressa Griffin McDuffie; his son Wayne (April) McDuffie; a granddaughter Cali McDuffie, all of Fitzgerald; a sister, Evon (Julian) Floyd of Pearson; a brother- in law, Don Griffin and a sister- in law, Gerelle Owens. Several nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three siblings: Franklin McDuffie, Lucia Owens and Christine James.