Emory Fain Mcduffie

Emory Fain McDuffie, 87, of Cross passed away peacefully at home on February 9, 2017. He was born in Cross, TX, on Sept 8, 1929, to William Fleming McDuffie and Winnie Alice Franklin McDuffie. At the age of 17, Emory served his country by joining the Air Force and attained the rank of staff sergeant. He was head bombardier on a B36 and served his country for two tours of duty during the Korean War. He was a carpenter and built many of the homes in the Cross and Iola area. Emory was a faithful deacon at Cross Baptist Church for most of his adult life and was an excellent Bible scholar. He was a member of the Bedias Masonic Lodge, was a volunteer fireman in Iola, and served on the Iola School Board during the 70s. He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing on the Navasota River, hunting, life on the farm, and spending time with his family, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He lived on his home place where McDuffie reunions were held for over 60 years. He was the next to last of 11 children and was predeceased by three brothers and seven sisters. He is survived by the mother of his children, Orita Hayes McDuffie Tedder, three children, Sharie Watson and husband Kent, Sally Johnson and husband Kevin, and Tim McDuffie and wife Sissy, five grandchildren, Brandon Surface and wife Danielle, Eric Surface, Cherie Brasuell and husband Timothy, Ashley LaFlash and husband Kevin, and Scott McDuffie. He is also survived by eight great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Serving as pallbearers: Brandon Surface, Eric Surface, Scott McDuffie, Timothy Brasuel, Charlie McDuffie, Vernon Eastepp, Larry Harvey and Todd Buckner. Honorary pallbearers: Ron Inman, Barney Clary, James Nevill and Mason Nevill.

Visitation will be Sunday evening, Feb. 12, 2017, from 5-8 at Madisonville Funeral Home, 1511 E Main, Madisonville. Funeral services will be Monday, Feb. 13, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at Cross Baptist Church in Cross, Texas. To place an online tribute, go to www.madisonvillefuneralhome.com.
The family would like to thank each and everyone for their love, prayers, cards, food, and support during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Emory McDuffie requests that memorial donations be made to the Cross Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 64, Iola, TX 77861.

Funeral Services:
Cross Baptist Church
10:00 AM, Monday, February 13, 2017