Willie Duff

Willie Lee Duff, Sr. was born to Northern Duff and Lucy Mae Clark Duff Jones on November 2, 1948 in Woodstock, Alabama. Willie confessed faith in Christ at an early age and became a member of New Jerusalem Baptist Church under the pastorate of the late Rev. Wilson Fallen, Sr. He was united in holy matrimony to Betty Jean McNeely, to which two children were born: Coquesa Jeneen and Willie Lee Duff, Jr. Willie was a product of the Bessemer City School System. He graduated from Jackson S. Abrams High School in 1967. He was affectionately referred to as "Homicide", "Mayor of Post Oak Circle", "Buddy", and "Baby". His heart was big and his smile was infectious. Willie attended Lawson State Community College and retired from U. S. Steel in Fairfield, Alabama. Willie loved baseball and played with the Ragged Roaches Baseball Team as a hind catcher. Willie met his wife Betty when he was in the 9th grade and Betty was in the 8th grade. They were married for forty-one loving years and affectionately referred to each other as Baby. Willie served in the U.S. Army. He received the National Defense Service Medal for expert M-14 and expert M-16 shooter. Willie transitioned this life on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at home while planting flowers. He will always remain very much alive in the memories of those who loved, respected and treasured him. His parents Northern Duff and Lucy Mae Clark Duff Jones; one brother, Sammie Lee Duff, Sr.; one sister, Betty Jean Duff Hill Gray preceded him in death. As a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son-in-law, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin, and friend, he leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Betty Jean Duff; two children, Coquesa (Alex) Moore and Willie L. Duff, Jr.; one grandson, Jalen Ahmad Moore; three brothers: Jack Lee Duff, Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Northern Lee (Patricia) Duff, Bessemer, Alabama; and, Larry Crowder, Epps, Alabama; one sister, Luvenia (Stanley) Gaines, Bessemer, Alabama; a mother-in-law, Amy P. McNeely; five brother-in-laws; six sister-in-laws; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Willie blessed us with love, great advice, humor, tasty ribs and rich experiences for us to cherish and remember him throughout eternity. May the work I've done, speak for me