George W. "Duke" Diuguid

George Washington Diuguid, also was known as Billy and Duke, was born in Lynchburg, Virginia on February 22, 1932 to Richard and Theresa (Payne) Diuguid. He was the youngest of 6 children. His family later migrated to Detroit, Michigan when he was a young child. He attended and graduated from Northern High School. George collaborated on the Northern High School newspaper. He met and married the love of his life, Norma Joyous Browning on November 14, 1953. To this union was born five children, Billy Eugene, Darrell Jeffrey, Karen Theresa, Tracey Alane and Karl Eric Diuguid (preceded George in death). George was a loving and devoted father.

For 25 years of loyal service with General Motors Corporation, Detroit Diesel Allison Plant, George was recognized for his dedication to the company. For 30 years of loyal service with General Motors Corporation, C-P-C Romulus Engine Operations Plant, as well as, a proud member belonging to U.A.W. Local 163 chapter, a dedicated and outstanding worker as a dock clerk, he retired on May 1, 1990. His greatest outstanding achievement, George was given a prestigious certificate of appreciation from General Motors Corporation for 30 Years for Perfect Attendance. He was a friend to his co-workers who trusted and appreciated him for his advice or just by listening to them, made a mark on their lives.

George accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior on May 1, 1966 at St. Andrew Redeemer Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI. George faithfully served as an active member at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI on the Usher Board and the St. John's Evangelical Men's League. He volunteered over the years for many church functions, as well as, his yearly designation to drive his Chevy Astro Van with other church members to the Men's League retreat in Northern Michigan. He looked forward to, enjoyed and found tranquil peace, quietness, and many talks with God spiritually invigorating at these retreats. He left St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church to become a member of Redford Evangelical Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI. George faithfully served as an active member on the Usher Board and volunteered at the annual vacation bible school events. He took the grandkids and neighbor kids to the vacation bible school events. George and Norma were devoted church members serving the Lord and participating in various church activities at St. John Evangelical Lutheran Church and Redford Evangelical Lutheran Church.

George was an avid sports enthusiast. He enjoyed pitching horseshoes and bowling with friends and family. Watching sports, mainly the Detroit Tigers, was something he genuinely enjoyed. He also loved taking walks in the park with his wife. Taking care of his family, especially his wife was what motivated him and made him special to all who knew him.

He made his transition into heaven Friday, December 30th, 2016 at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, MI. He was a warrior who never gave up and fought a good fight.

George leaves to cherish his loving memory: devoted wife and best friend Norma Joyous Diuguid, two loving sons Billy Eugene (Patricia), Darrell Jeffrey (Denise) and 2 daughters Karen Theresa and Tracey Alane (Damon) Rand, Ten grandchildren: Theresa Thomas-Everett, Aaron, Dennis, Billy Jr. Markita, Lauren Diuguid, Erik, Ryan, Blair Winfrey and Teisha Hall. Seven great-grandchildren: Amanda, Rachard, Demetrais Thomas, Demetria Sullivan, Zachary Diuguid, Kyla Burrell and Laila Hall. Four great-great grandchildren: Madisyn, Zaniya, Richard III and Rivannah. A sister Evelyn Chappelle of Berea, Ohio, sister-in-law Irene B. Johnson, Los Angeles, California, Geraldine Browning, Centreville, Nova Scotia, Canada and brother-in-law Earl Browning, Toronto, Ontario, Canada and a host of nieces, nephews and a large host of friends. He guided and prepared his children, grandchildren for things they would face in the future and was a role model for many. George will truly be missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and two sisters.

Favorite Quote's:

"Put God First"

"Get it for yourself"

"I lived trying to do the best I could for my wife and family"

Best Pet He Loved: Pepper

His favorite chair: Lounging Chair

His favorite snack: Peanuts

His favorite sport: Bowling with the Inkster Senior Bowling League

His favorite hat: Buffalo Soldier (his brother was a Buffalo Soldier)

A kidding Name for my Mom: Browning or Browning Automatic

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Reflections:

November 14, 2016 - Last Anniversary Card from George

My Wife, the Love of My Life

Celebrating the day I put a ring on your finger and promised to love you forever

and thanking you for making that promise so easy to keep.

Happy Anniversary

(This is in his own words)

Thank you dear for putting up with me for 63 years. May God continue to bless you

with good health. May our lives be beautiful and filled with happiness.

Love Always "Duke"

Norma's last Anniversary Card to George

Happy Anniversary to the husband who has everything! Me! Love You!

(This is in her own words)

Thank God for everything. Love with all my heart. Norma

Karen's last Anniversary Card to Mom and Dad

Happy Anniversary, Here's to you a couple that's a wonderful example of how

love, laughter and friendship can lead to a lifetime of happiness! Best wishes

on your Anniversary

(This is in her own words)

Mom and Dad,

May God continue to richly bless you today and always!

Happy 63rd Anniversary- Wow 11/14/1953 - 11/14/2016

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Remembrance:

Dad was your average regular guy you would have wanted to be around. He never felt he was better than anyone else. That is why he was loved so much by everyone who knew him. He was intelligent, smart, serious minded, will tell you what's on his mind, he was funny, he read a lot, kept abreast of politics, current events, attended the UAW meetings to keep himself up to date and a big Sports fan. He loved the old jazz masters. His favorite was Wes Montgomery. He would reminisce on the jazz greats back in the day in the 50's at the Paradise Valley located in the North End of Detroit, MI. He also enjoyed listening to Nat King Cole. He loved the old black and white movies of the 40's and 50's. He came up hard all his life and nothing came easy for him. He expected nothing from no one. He was independent. His favorite quote "To always get it for yourself". He told everyone that he was their friend, giving free advice to everyone. He helped out and talked to the kids in the neighborhood like a father and to this day those kids now adults have not forgotten his help and words of wisdom. Dad touched everyone with his words of wisdom from his own experience. He would tell you how tough life is and to prepare yourself for the world by educating yourself, to be independent and getting it for yourself. He always stressed to put God first. He loved God and thanked God always for blessing him and his wife for living a good life, good health and their marriage of 63 years together. George and Norma traveled during his retirement years covering two-thirds of the United States and as far away as Quebec City and Montreal, Quebec Canada. Took several cruises to the Caribbean and Mexico with a special 50th Wedding Anniversary cruise to the Bahamas with family in his lifetime. So yes, God blessed him and was good to the both of them. He always talked of having peace of mind. He now is at peace and rest with the Lord. Thank you Dad, Pops, Granddad for the giving of yourself to your wife, children, family and friends. The memories of you will never be forgotten.

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The family will receive guests for visitation Friday, January 6, 2017 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a Home Going Celebration starting at 11:00 am at the Harry J. Will Funeral Home, 25450 Plymouth Road, Redford, Michigan 48239.

George will be laid to rest at Mount Hope Memorial Gardens, Livonia, Michigan