John Reese Duffey, 94, of Tyler passed away on Saturday, October 15, 2016 after a lengthy illness.
Funeral services will be Thursday, October 20th at 10:00 A.M. at Means Memorial Methodist Church in Andrews, Texas with Rev. Rick Doyle and Rev. Les Hall officiating. Interment will follow at Andrews Old Cemetery under the personal care of McNett Funeral Home in Andrews. The family will receive friends Wednesday, October 19th, 2016 from 5:30-7:30 pm at McNett Funeral Home. Please celebrate the life of John by visiting www.mcnettfuneralhome.com
John was born September 26, 1922, the son of Frank and Myrtice (Morris) Duffey near Simpsonville, Texas in rural Upshur County. He grew up on a farm where he learned the value of hard work plowing behind two mules. He joined the United States Navy in 1943 during World War II and served in the Pacific until his discharge in 1946. He graduated from East Texas State Teachers College in Commerce, Texas in 1947. After moving to Andrews from Sundown, Texas, he married Louise Roberts January 12, 1952. John worked in the oil fields of West Texas and retired from Exxon in 1985, after 24 years of service. During this time, he enjoyed bird hunting, fishing, and following baseball. He was a member of Means Memorial Methodist Church in Andrews. After retirement he was active in the Exxon Annuitants, Mesquite Burners, and Senior Citizens Center in Andrews. At the Center he played the fiddle in a dance band, and was always up for a good game of dominoes.
He is survived by a daughter Denise Mizuta (Myron) of Tyler, Texas, and Stephen Duffey (Anne) of Tyler, Texas. He is also survived by two grandsons Jonathan Mizuta (Mandi) of Portland, Oregon and David Mizuta of Tyler, Texas. He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and brothers: Morris Duffey, Guy Duffey and William Duffey.
If desired, memorials may be made to Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75701 or Andrews Senior Citizens Center, 310 W Broadway St., Andrews, TX 79714.
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