Alfred Thomas Duffy passed away peacefully at Okatie Pines on Sunday, September 27. A native of Manchester, England, Al had lived in the United States since 1962 when he moved his family to Greer, SC.
Al, 91, served in the British Army from 1950-52, stationed in Germany after World War II. An outstanding cricket player, he also played for the British Army team. Prior to his service, Al graduated from Manchester College of Art and began a lifelong career in textile engraving upon his discharge.
In 1962, he went to work for Lyman Printing and Finishing Company in Lyman, South Carolina and achieved a lifelong dream of moving to the United States with his family. Al would later work for American Fast Print in Spartanburg, SC and West Point Pepperell in Opelika, Ala. At West Point Pepperell, he was Art Director of the screen engraving department and traveled the world studying the latest techniques of textile cloth printing and design. In 1988, Al was named a Vice President of The Bibb Company, working there until he retired in 1996. A gifted artist, Duffy could have made a living in that field, but limited his art work to family and friends.
Adored by his family, Al never lost his enthusiasm for life, the United States or his sense of humor. He would become excited at seeing the Goodyear Blimp, often pulling to the side of the road to watch it pass overhead. He appreciated July Fourth fireworks and was proud of becoming an American citizen. He was also an accomplished chess player, always enjoyed a round of golf, and a Rotarian.. Known for his phrases that reflected his appreciation for life’s simple pleasures, Al’s favorite may have been, “Nothing beats a good hamburger.” When hearing a good joke, he would slap his knee and break out laughing. Al was admired and liked by all who came across his path.
Al is survived by his beloved wife, Margaret, and three children, Lynne, Jeff, and Jeremy; two daughters-in-law, Teresa and Jeannie Duffy, and a son-in-law, Charlie Dayton; five grandchildren, Bryce Hayes, Lawson Dayton and his wife, Katie, Chelsea Duffy, Bayleigh Giamboy and her husband, Anthony, and Kendall Robelo and her husband Carlos; five great grandchildren: Dayton Hayes, Brooklynne Dayton, Jackson Dayton, Stevie Lynne Giamboy, and Maverick Robelo in addition to his family in England. He will be laid to rest in Six Oaks Cemetery.
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