William Wilson Duffey Jr.

Mr. William Wilson Duffey, Jr. of Homewood, Alabama, died on Monday, November 30, 2020. Mr. Duffey was born in Birmingham on May 29, 1944, attended Shades Cahaba Elementary, Homewood Junior High, and Shades Valley High School. As a youth, he earned his Eagle Scout badge, received the Boy Scouts God and Country Award, and was a life member of the Order of the Arrow. Mr. Duffey graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 1968 from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he was also a proud member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity.

Pursuing a lifelong love of art and design, Mr. Duffey was an architect and notably registered in 14 states. He was a member of the American Institute of Architects, achieved certification through the National Council of Architectural Registration Board, and served as president of the Birmingham chapter of the Construction Specifications Institute.

He became heavily involved in the Vulcan Power Squadron where he earned a Senior Navigation title, taught classes as the Senior Education Officer, and ultimately served as Commander. He also was a member of the Birmingham Historical Society, the Sons of the American Revolution, a docent at the Birmingham Museum of Art, and held membership and leadership positions in a variety of social clubs.

A self-professed decadent southern gentleman, Mr. Duffey was known for his unique spirit, a passion for fine arts, a gift for storytelling, and his delight in laughing with the people he loved.

Mr. Duffey is preceded in death by his parents Brigadier General William W. Duffey and Katherine White Duffey, and his sister Mary Duffey McKibbin. He is survived by his sons William Clifton Duffey and wife Jennifer of Nashville, William Patrick Duffey and partner Erin of Minneapolis, Robert W. Gwin, III and wife Trisha of San Clemente; and grandchildren Chase and Sutton Duffey of Nashville and Landon, Reed, and Mia Gwin of San Clemente.

Mr. Duffey’s family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Friday, December 4, 2020 at Ridout’s Valley Chapel. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 AM on Saturday at Ridout’s Valley Chapel, with burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Birmingham Museum of Art.