Jewel Wayne "Gerald" Duffey

Jewel Wayne Duffey, affectionately known as Gerald to his friends and family, passed away peacefully on November 20, 2025, at the age of 80 in Alamance Co., North Carolina. Born on July 13, 1945, in Halifax Co., Virginia, Gerald was a man of integrity, passion, and kindness, whose legacy will be cherished by all who knew him. Gerald's life was one of dedication and love. He was a devoted husband to his wife of 58 years, Pamela DeMarco Duffey, and a loving father to his sons, Gerald Wayne Duffey and Joey Duffey. His brother, Johnny Duffey, also survives him, and together they shared an unbreakable bond. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Langston Duffey and Daisy Mae Walker Duffey, whose values and lessons shaped him into the remarkable man he became. Professionally, Gerald was a respected member of the City of Graham's Parks and Recreation Department, from which he retired after many years of service. He took immense pride in his work, ensuring that the city's parks and recreational spaces were welcoming and beautiful for the community to enjoy. His commitment to his work was evident in the meticulous care he took in every task he undertook. Gerald's passions extended beyond his professional life. He was an ardent NASCAR and dirt track enthusiast, a love he passed down to his family. His dedication to the sport was so profound that he even built a race car for his son, a testament to his supportive nature and mechanical prowess. Gerald's love for cars didn't stop at the track; he was also an avid car collector, amassing a collection that was the envy of many and the pride of his heart. An outdoorsman at his core, Gerald found solace and joy in the natural world. He relished the opportunity to camp under the stars and fish until the early hours, sharing these moments with his family and friends. These experiences in the great outdoors were among his most treasured memories. Above all, Gerald was a man who put his family first. His role as a husband, father, and brother was one he held in the highest regard. His unwavering support, boundless love, and the wisdom he imparted will forever be remembered by his loved ones. As we bid farewell to Jewel Wayne Duffey, we celebrate a life well-lived, full of joy, commitment, and love. His spirit will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to have known him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and the many lives he touched. Gerald's journey through life was one of purpose and passion, and he will be deeply missed by all.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday November 29, 2025, at the McClure Funeral Home Chapel in Graham with the Pastor Dr. Frederick Bunts officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Foundation at www.heart.org or to the American Kidney Fund at www.give/kidneyfund.org