Troy Smith Duffey, Sr.

Troy Smith Duffey, Sr was born on March 27, 1930 in Jonesboro, GA to Clinton Smith Duffey and Lunie Clyde Davis. To this union were also born 2 daughters- Carolyn and Sara.

Troy was not just a man, but a Son, Brother, Brother-in-law, Husband, Father, Uncle, Grandfather and Great Grandfather and a Police Officer.

Troy was born during The Great Depression… a time of despair. Like most American families, Troy’s family lived by the Depression-era motto “use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.” He often told stories of his Mother making shirts from flour sacks and was honored to receive hand me down clothing from older cousins. Fortunately, his family were farmers, growing their own fruits, vegetables, grain, and meat; they milked cows, churned butter, buttermilk and made cheese. Troy enjoyed life farming with his family throughout his childhood...he often spoke fondly of those days and was quick to tell you how much hard work was involved. He would rise before dawn to milk the cow, tend to the chickens and hogs; then walk to school. After school, he would look forward to eating a dry biscuit before heading to the field, where he worked the land with a horse driven plow.

As a brother, Troy told a story of how he saved the life of his sister, Sara. Troy climbed a tree to gather apples, throwing them below for Sara to gather.  She was bitten by a rattle snake: Troy acted quickly, cutting the wound the sucking out the venom. He then carried her home, running as fast as he could. He attended Noah’s Ark Elementary and graduated from Jonesboro High School. After high school, Troy went to Michigan with his sister Carolyn and brother in-law, Buran to work in an automobile factory on the assembly line, where he saved enough money to buy his first Indian motorcycle. When Carolyn and Buran returned home, Troy followed riding the motorcycle cross country from Michigan, IL to Jonesboro, GA.

Troy now 21 years old, met Susan, the love of his life, called Geraldine and nick named Jerry in the summer of 1950.  Troy was told that a beautiful girl, Geraldine, wanted to meet him. So, he rode his motorcycle to a church on Tara Blvd at Mundy’s Mill Rd. where they saw each other for the first time.  Jerry would remis about that day with excitement as if she was still a young teenage girl, telling the story  of a dashingly handsome young man on a motorcycle, wearing a black leather jacket, leather boots, with a white silk scarf tied around his neck. Troy rode up to a small group of girls and stated, “Which one of you is Geraldine, I heard you wanted to meet me?” Troy remembered Geraldine as a young beautiful 15-year-old teenage girl. They soon fell in loved and walked together through 57 years of marriage until Jerry’s death in 2007. Troy and Jerry enjoyed each other's company immensely. They experienced many adventures together and witnessed many changes in the world. Troy and Jerry had three children Troy Jr., Steven, and Pamela; five grand-children-Kiesha, Alana, Christopher, Crystal, and Leah and ten great grandchildren-Nolan, Jack, Caleb, Makenzie, Selah, Marley, Kalico, Victoria and Scarlett.

Troy was devoted to wife and children and often worked extra jobs as a police office to provide the “extras” for his family. Some of the happiest times were camping trips to Lake Lanier, Panama City Beach, the Ga mountains and traveling cross country. Their grandchildren and great grandchildren were very special and loved; Troy and Jerry always took one or all and their friends on vacations. It was rare to find Troy and Jerry home on Sunday; for they were visiting their parents or their siblings, nieces and nephews. Their home was always open to everyone; frequently family and friends would drop in for a visit.

Troy knew how to appreciate life and showed his love for living in everything he did, whether he was riding on his motorcycle, square dancing, fishing, sharing a story or a laugh.  He enjoyed tinkering with small motors and working on cars, always quick to lend a helping hand to family, a friend, neighbor or stranger. Troy did everything with humor and devotion that will never be forgotten.

Troy was preceded in death by his parents, his son, his wife, both sisters, and many other family members and friends.

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