William B Duff

William Bell “Dubb” Duff, 86, of Odessa joined his Lord on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Manor Park in Midland. He was born September 2, 1925 in Kaufman County, TX to Jim Gardner & Fairzani (Pevey) Duff. He was a track and football star at Abilene High School. Dubb like many members of “The Greatest Generation,” was granted early graduation to volunteer for military duty. He served in the 2nd Marine Division during the Pacific Theater of operations during WWII. He saw combat on Saipan, Tinian and Eniwetok. Dubb landed in Nagasaki Harbor and served a year with US Occupation Forces in Japan.

Dubb returned to civilian life as a Texas Tech college student on the GI Bill. He joined the Wranglers, Now ATO, and was elected Tech’s Most Handsome Man. He married Norma Jean Everett on April 20, 1952. They started their life together in the dusty West Texas oilfields. The newlyweds moved following the drilling rig every 6 weeks for their 1st two years. Dubb worked as a roughneck, driller and the equipment foreman for the Great Western Drilling Company. Dubb and Norma had three children along the way, Bill, Doug and Debbie.

Dubb and his college friend Johnny T. O’Neal started O-D Rentals in 1962. This was the first of many successful business ventures with friends and family. Dubb’s business ventures spanned over a dozen companies with operations in O&G, banking, real estate and ranching. He operated businesses in 10 states and as many countries.

Dubb’s community services included two terms as an Odessa City Councilman (at large), church councilman, Republican national delegate, grand juror and multiple civic board memberships. He was active in the Chuck Wagon Gang and actively supported many Christian ministries and youth organizations. His passions included hunting, bass fishing, world travel poker, hearts and Snicker’s candy bars.

He is preceded in death by his parents.

He is survived by his wife, Norma Jean Duff of Midland, sons, William Bell “Bill” Duff of Katy, TX , Douglas Everett Duff of Odessa, daughter, Deborah Dee Masters of Carlsbad, NM , (6) grandchildren, and (13) great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, August 18, 2012 at the Lutheran Church of the Risen Lord. Interment will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, August 18, 2012 at the Coffee Cemetery in Sweetwater, TX.

Services entrusted to Hubbard-Kelly Funeral Home.