(RET) SFC Troy Evans McDuffie

Death is not the ending but the beginning of a new life which God has promised us. Feeling secure that our Heavenly Father owns the property on both sides of life, the soul of Troy Evans McDuffie soared to the heights of his eternal home on the early afternoon of Wednesday August 16, 2023. Our beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend was born to the late Maggie and Jim McDuffie on April 22, 1932 in Elizabethtown, NC. Troy Evans McDuffie was the only boy of four children, and was affectionately called “The Boy” by his sisters. At the age of nine, Troy alongside his mother and sisters, moved to Maxton, NC where he was raised and attended school. Troy later met the late Doreathea “Sister” Nicholson, who would became his bride on June 24, 1951. Since his adolescence, Troy was always known to be a hard worker and a great provider for his family. He would often tell the story of how he farmed for the McQueen sisters for an entire year and received $100 which he used to purchase a suit and cardboard suitcase. Shortly afterwards, in 1953, he moved to Philadelphia, PA where he enlisted and began his career in the United States Army. Together for more than 47 years, Troy and Doreathea went on to become the proud parents of six children. In his later years, Troy reunited with his father and learned of six additional siblings; four brothers and two sisters. He is preceded in death by seven of his siblings; Ulysee Odoms, Isabelle Carmichael, Leroy McDuffie, Beatrice McKoy, Ella Williams, James McDuffie and George McDuffie. Throughout his extensive military career as a motor pool Sergeant, Troy proudly served his country in both the Vietnam and Korean wars. After 21 years of dedicated service, Sergeant First Class Troy Evans McDuffie retired from the United States Army. Troy was always committed to providing for his family and leading by example. Using the mechanical shills he learned in the military; he would go on to start Troy’s Transmission and Towing Service which he successfully owned and operated with his family for 27 years until his second retirement. Troy’s entrepreneurial spirit, determination, and legacy of success will go on to inspire many of his family who have come after him. We, who are grateful and blessed to have shared many treasured memories are; two daughters, Brenda Morrison of Dallas, GA and Barbara McDuffie of the home, four sons; Larry “Pete” McDuffie of New York, NY, Gregory McDuffie, Michael McDuffie (Valarie) and Troy A. McDuffie (Tanesha) all of Fayetteville, NC, one honorary son; grandson Larry McDuffie (Christel) of Fayetteville, NC, thirteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, one sister; Mary McPhaul of Baltimore, MD, one brother; Artis McDuffie of McDonough, Georgia, three sisters-in- law; Lendora Kearse of Duluth, GA, Sallie Nicholson of New York, NY and Jean Leach of Lumberton, NC, two brothers-in-law; Alton Ratliff of Lillington, NC and Clyde McKoy of Elizabethtown, NC and a host of nephew's nieces, relatives and friends.

(RET) SFC Troy Evans McDuffie

April 22, 1931 - August 16, 2023