Alden Wilson Duffield Jr. passed away on Friday, June 1, 2018.
He was born in Camden, N.J., on February 14, 1942 to Alden Sr. and Anne Duffield. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Erika, and son, David Alan.
He is survived by his sister, Joyce Rose, and her husband John. He is also survived by his three children and their spouses, Rick and Heidi Duffield of DeWitt, Ark., Susan and John Cash of Newton, Miss., and Alden W. Duffield III of Elizabethton, Tenn. He is survived by seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Known by his loved ones as Duff, his life stories are legend among his children. He moved to Hampton, Tenn., in 2005.
His earliest ambition was to join the Navy due to the influence of his uncle Warren, a lifelong role-model. He retired as a career sailor in 1980 with distinction as a Silver Star recipient for gallantry in action — something he never talked about or disclosed details. He served on many ships and submarines, including the USS Coral Sea, USS Piedmont, and the USS Ticonderoga. He was an active participant during the Cuban Missile Crisis, and served two tours in Vietnam.
Always known as a man who gets things done when called upon, and he had a life-long passion for learning. He was never stagnant and always kept busy with something that utilized his intellect and energy. His children knew him as a seeker, one who is always interested in what lies beyond the horizon. He loved animals and had many hobbies related to them. At one time he actually built an aviary in his yard with all manner of exotic birds.
After his time in the Navy he immediately starting working at a game farm in Forked River, N.J., that lasted until he was hired at Oyster Creek Nuclear Power Plant, where he stayed until he retired for a second time as Plant Maintenance Manager.
In retirement, he and Erika moved to Hampton, Tenn., to be closer to their children. They revered him because of his unconditional love, high expectations, and his sense of basic fairness in all things. A disciplinarian with great purpose. One saying his children knew to be true from their dad: “I’m not your friend, I’m your father!” He thoroughly enjoyed and loved his children, and being around his grandchildren.
Respected and loved by all his children and close friends, he will be greatly missed but not forgotten.
Alden Wilson Duffield Jr. will be laid to rest next to his wife Erika, whom he cherished, at Mountain Home VA Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared with the family on our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Duffield and his family are in the care of Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton. Office: (423) 542-2232. Service Information and Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.