James Franklin Duffie

James Franklin Duffie, 78, of Lynchburg, entered his eternal home Monday, November 24, 2014, at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was the devoted husband of Mary Holland Duffie for 51 years. Born June 19, 1936, in South Boston, he was the son of the late Rev. Jack Randall Duffie and the late Mae Cozart Duffie.

James was a retired payroll officer at Lynchburg Foundry where he worked for 31 years. He was a faithful member of Thomas Road Baptist Church. He also served our country in the United States Army, retiring after 8 years a Corporal. James was also the PA announcer for the Liberty Flames football games for 28 years and for the Lynchburg Mets baseball organization. He was play-by-play announcer for both the Gretna Hawks football and basketball games. James was a diehard North Carolina Tar Heel fan, where both he and his wife were ushers in the Dean Dome during their home basketball games. As dad and papa, James never missed a grandchild’s sporting event or dance recital. He was an inspiration to all who came in contact with him. He lived by faith and was a true witness for his Lord and Savior.

In addition to his wife, James survived by two daughters, Dawn Martin and her husband Eddie of Rustburg and Leah Yackel and her husband Thomas of Charlotte, NC; two siblings, Branch Randall Duffie and his wife Marilyn of Bixby, OK and Linda Duffie Hicks of Evington; seven grandchildren, Cpl. Daniel James Martin, Morgan Elizabeth Martin, Matthew Terry Martin, Nathan Randall Martin, Mackenzie Hope Yackel, Noah Thomas Yackel and Anna Reese Yackel; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted, 1:00 p.m., Friday, November 28, 2014, at Thomas Road Baptist Church-Pate Chapel with the Rev. Marvin Suitt and Rev. David Horsley officiating. Interment will follow at Virginia Memorial Park, in Forest. Military Honors will be presented by the American Legion Post 36, Altavista, VA.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 12-1 p.m., Friday, November 28, 2014, at Thomas Road Baptist Church-Pate Chapel and at other times at the residence of Dawn Martin.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Thomas Nygaard and Dr. Robert Brennan for numerous years of wonderful care.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association-4217 Park Place Ct., Glen Allen, VA 23060 and Thomas Road Baptist Church.