Ira Elmer “Macky” McDuffie III was born on October 28, 1944, in Jacksonville, Florida, to Clara Jones McDuffie and Ira E. McDuffie II. He was raised in Baker County, where he remained a lifelong resident.

Macky attended Baker County schools and graduated from Baker County High School with the Class of 1962. Shortly after graduation, he began working as an ironworker with T&G Erectors. On August 17, 1965, he was drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Selected from his basic training class to attend Swift Boat Operator School in Ft. Eustis, VA, Macky completed the program and achieved the Watercraft Operator’s License. Macky was deployed to Vietnam where he served his country as a swift boat operator on the Saigon River, conducting patrols for enemy vessels transporting contraband and weapons and escorting merchant and military ships into and out of Saigon Harbor. Upon completion of his tour in Vietnam, Macky was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Service Medal w/ 60 device, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Sharpshooter Badge.

Following his military service, Macky worked for R.H. Davis Oil Company before beginning a 25-year career with Seaboard Coast Line Railroad, which later became CSX. He remained with the railroad until his medical retirement.

During his retirement, Macky enjoyed boating, hunting, camping, riding his Jeep Rubicon through the Osceola and Ocala National Forests, and spending time at Salt Springs. Above all, however, he cherished his family and friends, whom he loved unconditionally.

Macky was a gifted storyteller, and, boy, did he have some stories to tell. His infectious personality drew people to him, and he truly never met a stranger. Generous by nature, he never allowed someone in need to go without. Macky often said, “There are givers and there are takers. Always be a giver.” He lived his life according to those words.

Macky is survived by Joanne Long McDuffie, his loving wife of 16 years; sister, Fern McDuffie Bevis, his sons, Bryan McDuffie, Terry Long (Amy), and Vince McDuffie; his daughters, Misti McDuffie Lageman and Windi McDuffie; his stepsons, Michael Rhoden (Crystal), Mitchell Rhoden (Brenda), and Matthew Rhoden (Marshall); 13 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren and countless close friends he made over his lifetime that he loved deeply.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Clara Jones McDuffie; his father, Ira E. McDuffie II; his daughter, Tara McDuffie; and his grandson, Joey “Bubba” Rhoden.

A funeral to honor Mackie’s life will be held on Saturday, August 12, at 11:00 AM at Heritage Church (former United Methodist Church) in Macclenny. The family will receive friends for a visitation on Friday, August 11, from 6-8:00 PM, at the church. Mackie will be laid to rest at South Prong Cemetery with military honors. Earl Knabb, Mitch Canady, Ronnie Johns, Carl Wilkerson, Gary Crews, and Danny Combs will honor Mackie as his pallbearers.

Macky will be remembered for his devoted service to his country, his generosity toward others, his unforgettable stories, and the unconditional love he gave to his family and friends.