William Durfee

William F 'Bill' Durfee, 87, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 9th, 2017 at his home in Navarre, FL. Bill was born in Rochester, NY on January 20th, 1930 and was a long-time resident of Navarre. Bill is survived by his wife Shelby Brooks Durfee whom he loved with all his heart. He is also survived by his sons Gary (Tracy) Durfee and Brooks (Linnea) Wilkins, daughters Tammy Parker and Tammie Wilkins-Blakeman , grandchildren Starr Wilkins, Robert Parker and Jason Durfee, his great- grandchildren Logan Wilkins and Jacob Vance and his sisters Phyllis (Noel) Allan and Carol Graham as well as numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Roland and Florence (Farnam) Durfee, his brother Robert Durfee, and his sister Joyce Shaw.
Bill attended the University of Alabama until financial issues forced him to take a break his senior year at which time he joined the Merchant Marine. As the Korean War began Bill joined the US Army and served bravely in Korea. He was a passionate patriot who served his country as a soldier, an Army officer, Guardsman and civil servant for over 40 years, retiring with the rank of Colonel. During his time with civil service he received many awards but one stood out, an award presented by President Lyndon Johnson for saving his country millions of dollars. After retiring, he moved his family to Navarre and worked first as a government contractor and then a realtor.
Bill played semi-pro football as a young man and remained an ardent football fan throughout his life. Any autumn Saturday would find him cheering on his Alabama Crimson Tide and Sundays were for his Detroit Lions. Bill was a true Christian and a member of the Navarre Church of Christ. His good nature, caring demeanor, sense of humor, intelligence and wisdom made an impression on everyone who knew him. He took his role as head of his family very seriously and was there for his family through thick and thin. He also cared deeply for his friends and was always overjoyed when they would visit. We, his family, love our "Baba" and will miss his laugh, his love, his leadership all of our days.
He will be inurned at Barrancas National Cemetery with the procession departing Rose Lawn Funeral Home in Gulf Breeze at 12:30 on Friday March 3, 2017. All who wish to attend should ensure they are in the procession leaving Rose Lawn due to new military restrictions. The service will take place in Barrancas National Cemetery at 1:30 PM.

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