Timothy Allen Duffy

Timothy Allen (Tim) Duffy, a loving son, brother, husband, father and grandfather, passed away on Tuesday, October 8, 2012. Mr. Duffy was born on October 12, 1948 in Cleveland, Ohio to Robert and Virginia Duffy. He loved to tell stories of how, as a child, he walked to school, uphill both ways, in the snow, and was occasionally chased by dogs. In reality, he was a bright and outgoing child, quick to embrace his studies as well as a good joke. He met his wife, Camille White, their sophomore year of college at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. After graduation, Tim and Camille married on June 6, 1970 in Galveston, Texas. An avid history and writing fan, Tim then attended law school at the University of Texas at Austin. He joined the ROTC and took on responsibility for raising the flag in the University quad. He joked that he proudly endured taunts and flying trash from “the hippies” who protested against the Vietnam War. After graduating from law school, Tim took the Texas Bar Exam and received the highest score for his testing class. For this achievement he was granted the opportunity to address the class and legal community at his swearing-in ceremony in the spring of 1973 in Austin, Texas. He was required to submit a copy of his speech before the ceremony, which he did. At the ceremony he sat on stage, nervously awaiting his turn to address the crowd. Leon Jaworski was the keynote speaker and was to address the crowd and introduce Tim. When Mr. Jaworski began his speech, however, Tim heard familiar words—it didn’t take long for panic to set in—the speaker was borrowing heavily from Tim’s speech! True to form, Tim soldiered on and when it was his turn, he gave the speech he had prepared, even though the crowd had just heard many of the same words. He was sure the crowd was confused, but no matter—he could take a good joke, and this was a great one.

Tim and Camille settled in Dallas, Camille’s hometown, shortly thereafter and he began his legal career at Jordan, Ramsey and Bradley. In 1982, he joined Hughes & Luce, and then moved on to Burleson, Pate & Gibson, where he still practiced up until Monday, October 7, 2012. He was a brilliant lawyer, always eager to engage in a discussion about the finer points of law and offer practical, thoughtful advice. He loved his job and felt honored every day to be a part of the legal profession. He was always the first in the office, arriving usually before 6:00 a.m. (He likely got there so early so he would have time to chat with his friends over a cup of coffee in the morning and take an afternoon nap on his couch!)

Tim is survived by his mother, Virginia Duffy, his wife Camille, his three children, Colleen Duggal, Elizabeth Duffy and Michael Duffy and his son-in-laws, Rajeev Duggal and Chris Melella. He was a wonderful husband who brought flowers to his wife every week and picked up her favorite desserts from Central Market and Whole Foods often. He was the most thoughtful father, offering support, love and advice, and a shoulder to lean on, to his children. He lived for family vacations, museum outings and dinners with his family. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Sandy, Poppy and Mia Duggal and Max Duffy Melella. His regular Saturday movie dates were happily replaced with babysitting when the grandchildren arrived. He couldn’t resist buying them books and toys at every opportunity and then allowing them to stay up late to play.

Tim’s life ended much too soon. He will be greatly missed by his family and colleagues, but his spirit will endure in each of those who loved him.

For all of Tim's friends, there will be a visitation Friday, October 12, 2012, at 11:30 am in the Chapel of Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home, 10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas and the public funeral service will follow at 12:30 pm. Rev. John Libone, officiating. Interment Cox Cemetery, Dallas, Texas, following the service.

Arrangements entrusted to Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home

10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218

(214-327-8291)