Reflections “To everything there’s a season; A time for every purpose under the Heaven. A time to be born; and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck what is planted.” Ecclesiastes 3:1-2
I have gone to a place, where all mankind must go. It is a place beyond an open gate. All have been invited. This place holds an eternal promise. I have gone to a place of everlasting peace. This is a place where there is no pain or sorrow and teardrops have ceased. Life has a joyful beginning but sometimes it can be a painful ending for those loved ones, we leave behind. I don’t want my exit from this life to be painful for any of my family and friends. Remember my beginning and not my ending.
Russell McDuffie was born on April 4, 1939, in Waverly, Georgia, to Henrietta Morrell and Charlie McDuffie, Sr. Mr. McDuffie, better known as “Big Branch,” “Papa Smurf,” or “Uncle Russell,” attended school in Camden County at Ralph J. Bunche High School.
Russell married Annie Ruth McDuffie on March 22, 1963. From their union, they had one child, Melissa Sanders. During their marriage, Russell and Annie lived in New York and California. While in California, Russell worked for the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District until his retirement in 2005. In 2009, following his retirement, Russell relocated to his hometown of Waverly, Georgia (Spring Bluff).
Russell loved his family, fishing, and driving the blue mule with the windows down. Russell was known as the comedian with his family and friends. He never met a stranger and didn’t mind talking to and joking with anyone who would listen.
Russell was preceded in death by his parents, Henrietta and Charlie; wife, Annie, in 2020; brothers, Charlie McDuffie, Jr., and Hank Atkinson; and cousin, David Ash.
Russell, the patriarch of the McDuffie family, leaves to cherish his wonderful memory: his only child, Melissa Sanders; one grandson, Marcell Sinegal; one granddaughter, Alayah Sinegal; three great-grandsons, Kaysen, Jamani, and Kali; sister-in-law, Greta Atkinson; close cousin, Tyrone Ash; close nephews and nieces, Eddie McDuffie (Flossie), Curtis McDuffie (Linda), Deborah Coleman (Hubert), Patricia McDuffie, Donald McDuffie (Sylvia), and Jacquelyn Scott; additional in-laws from New York and South Carolina; and a host of fishing friends.