Bill McDuffie

Bill was born April 27th, 1938 in Texas City, Texas to Bill and Eva Jewell McDuffie. At an early age, family became his top priority as he took on the responsibility of looking after his mother and two little sisters, Edna “Clem” and Betty Gray. He accepted his first job at age nine.

As a kid, Bill developed a love for baseball, and was a proud member of the inaugural Texas City Little League team. When not enjoying time with family or out playing sports, he was actively involved at Texas City High, where he served on the student council and as class president. During his time in Texas City, Bill made many lifelong friends, who he always made a point to keep in touch with and attend his class reunions. After high school, Bill attended Texas A&M University and was a proud member of the 1957 Squadron 17 Corps of Cadets.

One warm night in Texas City, Bill and his friends made their way to the local drive-in for dinner. It was there he spotted the love of his life, Charlene Howard. They married shortly after, and for fifty-nine years, Bill never once removed his wedding ring.

Bill began his career as a teacher at Alvin High School teaching woodshop and coaching the baseball team that included the great Nolan Ryan. After a few years teaching and coaching, Bill was offered the opportunity to work for Dresser Industries. His passion for learning and his strong work ethic quickly carried him through the ranks from an entry level sales position to the Vice President of International Marketing.

His work took him all over the world – Russia, Europe, Asia. He developed a passion for travel, and always took time to learn about local customs and make new friendships. In 1992, Bill received the President’s E award for US Exporters – the highest recognition for significant contribution to the expansion of US exports.

Though Bill believed in the importance hard work, his family always came first. Bill and Charlene had three sons, Mike, Mitchell, and Matt. With his sons, he shared his love of baseball, serving as coach and umpire for their Northwest 45s Little League teams. Almost every evening, Bill and the boys headed out to the backyard for a game of catch. He took great pride in each of his three sons and considered raising three honorable men to be one of his greatest achievements.

In 2003 Bill’s entrepreneurial spirit took over, and he purchased Vernon Tube Tools. As Vernon grew, it became true family business that included each of his three kids and six grandkids. At exactly noon each day, Bill and his family employees (and his dog, Kroger) would head into the lunch room to share a meal and a lot of laughs. It was always that special lunch hour with PawPaw that had each kid and grandkid excited to go to work.

Bill was an active part of the Harbor Town community on Lake Conroe. His home there became the McDuffie family headquarters where his friends and extended family loved to come enjoy the lake. On summer weekends, Bill often had as many friends and family members that could fit in his kitchen sharing hotdogs and beers together after a long day outside. After everything settled down each evening, Bill would head outside to feed the ducks and enjoy a of glass wine with Charlene and the neighbors who became family.

Every April through November, Bill spent his evenings watching the Houston Astros. A long-time season ticket holder, Bill faithfully cheered his Astros through their worst season to their best season. During the 2017 season, Bill was finally able to check off a big bucket list item – taking his sons to the World Series.

When looking for a break from the Texas heat, Bill and Charlene travelled to their home in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Bill enjoyed cool, summer afternoons playing golf and snowy, winter weekends on the ski slopes in order to give Charlene adequate time to win in the casinos.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Eva McDuffie. He is survived by his wife – Charlene; two sisters – Dr. Edna McDuffie Manning and Betty Gray Wilhelm; three sons – Michael (Brenda), Mitchell, and Matt (Kerri); six grandchildren – Mindy, Martin (Victoria), Morgan Owen (John Paul), Madison, Max, and Molly; and two great grandchildren.

The McDuffie family would like to thank Dr. Sanjaykumar R. Patel and Dr. Mamta Jane for their loving care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Montgomery County Animal Shelter – www.mcaspets.org.

Visitation will be held Friday, November 23rd, 2018 at one o’clock in the afternoon with funeral service to follow at two o’clock in the afternoon in the Colonial Chapel at Cashner Funeral Home – 801 Teas Road, Conroe, Texas 77303. Burial will follow in Garden Park Cemetery. You are invited to view our webpage and leave written tributes to the family at cashnerconroe.com