Aug. 10, 2024
John Newell McDuffie Jr., 87, of Gray, Georgia, entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, August 10, 2024, surrounded by his loving family at home.
A visitation was held at Gray Memorial Chapel and Crematory, 4378 Gray Highway, Gray, Georgia 31032, on Monday, August 12, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A funeral service was held at Elam Baptist Church, 203 Elam Church Road, Gray, Georgia 31032, on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at 2:00 p.m., with interment to follow at Elam Memorial Gardens. The service was officiated by Rev. Eddie Windham, Rev. Len Woodard, and Rev. Anthony Brown.
John was a dedicated member of Elam Baptist Church and a respected figure in the community.
His many contributions included his involvement with the Middle Georgia Civil Defense, his service as a retired Chaplain for the Jones County Sheriff’s Office, and his career with the Bibb County Board of Education. He was also deeply committed to pastoral care throughout his life, having served as pastor at several churches, including High Shoals Baptist Church in High Shoals, GA, Elam Baptist Church in Gray, GA, Smithboro Baptist Church in Monticello, GA, New Haven Baptist Church in Gordon, GA, and Hillsboro Baptist Church in Hillsboro, GA.
Additionally, John had a long history of service, including time with the U.S. Army Reserves, and he was well-known for his 20 plus years of campground ministry.
A proud graduate of the University of Georgia, John held a master’s degree and applied his knowledge and passion in various aspects of his life. He is survived by his beloved wife of 64 years, Helen McDuffie; his children; Dianne McDuffie Phillips, Patricia Elaine McDuffie Johnson, and John Newell (Terry) McDuffie, III, and his grandchildren; Amanda (Anthony) Brown, Bonnie (Daniel) Calkin, Billy (Emily) Phillips, III, Heather (Charlie) Long, Nicholas Johnson, Jeremy (Stephanie) Johnson, John (Carrie) McDuffie, IV, Lea (JJ) Molzen, Tara (David) Burke, and Daniel (Tiffany) Frazier.
John also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren and his sister; Sandra Fanning. He was predeceased by his parents; John Newell McDuffie, Sr. and Agnes Mae Wright McDuffie, his brother; Gerald McDuffie and his wife Judy; and his son-in-law Billy M. Phillips, Jr.
Pallbearers for the service will include Jeremy Johnson, Nick Johnson, Daniel Calkin, Billy Phillips, III, Charlie Long, and John McDuffie, IV.
Gray Memorial Chapel is honored to handle the arrangements for the McDuffie family. Condolences may be registered online at graymemorialchapel. com.
