Mr. Obrie Manning Duffey

Obrie Manning Duffey, 87, died peacefully on Thursday, September 5, 2013 at the West Georgia Hospice in Lagrange, GA after a 2 week illness. He was unafraid and shared with family his strength and conviction that this was his time to pass on for the next part of his journey. His family remained at his side throughout his last days. He will be forever missed and dearly loved.

Born in Oneco, Florida to Ruby Dallas Partridge and Obrie Manning Duffey, Sr., he started the first grade at the age of 5, taught by his aunt Mary Lou Duffey. He graduated from Bradenton High School in 1943 and shortly thereafter enlisted in the US Naval Air Force. He completed Pre-Med at Emory University in Atlanta, GA on his GI Bill. He studied Horticulture at Auburn University in Alabama, Engineering at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Mercer University in Macon, GA and belonged to Kappa Sigma Fraternity. He began dating his life partner Virginia Johnson in 1947. They were married September 23, 1950 in Zebulon, GA and spent 63 happy years together. After working a few years with the Health Department in Atlanta, he started his Nursery Landscaping business in the mid-1950s. He and Virginia were very active in the United Methodist Church throughout their marriage, most recently in Woodbury, GA. Duffey never met a stranger. He lit up a room with his vibrant personality and made many friends wherever he was. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, the ocean, bird hunting, raising bird dogs and loved all of nature. He had a gift for healing and was completely unselfish when tending to his family during any illness or crises.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Lorene Duffey Lewis (Gene), Louise Duffey Davis (Glen), Sara Duffey Sumner (Clint), his son Manning Colbert Duffey and niece Diane Lewis Latham (Tommy). Survivors include his wife Virginia Johnson Duffey of Woodbury and daughter Jena Duffey Bradley (Ron); Sister-in-Law Celeste Johnson Armentrout (John); nieces Judy Davis Fontenot (Roger); Beverly Sumner Mitchell (Johnny); Cece Armentrout Yeakel (Doug); Amy Armentrout Dawson (Jeff); Julie Armentrout Peterson (Kirk); nephews Clint Sumner (Bettie); Jerry Lewis; Randy Davis (Donette); David Armentrout (Patty) and many cousins, grandnieces and grandnephews.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 1:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Woodbury, GA, preceded at 11:00 am by a gathering for friends and family at the adjacent New Life Center. After the Church Service those who wish may follow the family to Eastview Cemetery in Zebulon, GA for a short graveside memorial.

Haisten McCullough Funeral Home, 1155 Everee Inn Rd. is in charge of arrangements.