Obituary of Roosevelt D. McDuffie

Roosevelt D. McDuffie, Sr., age 79, died Monday, May 21, 2012 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Minneapolis. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM Wednesday, May 30 at United Faith Pentecostal Church, 1156 Aldrich Avenue N., Minneapolis, with the Reverend Norman Parker, officiating. Visitation will be 1/2 hour prior to the service at church (10-10:30 AM) Interment Fort Snelling National Cemetery with Full Military Honors accorded by the Fort Snelling Memorial Rifle Squad. Serving as pallbearers will be Shaquille Owens, Jerome McDuffie, Tarrell McDuffie, Christopher McDuffie, Anthony McDuffie, and Lopez Walters. Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Roosevelt McDuffie, Jr., Robert McDuffie, Franklin McDuffie, Jr., Robert Williams, Jerome McDuffie, Jimmie Owens, Peter McDuffie, and Antonio Russo. Roosevelt McDuffie, Sr. was born May 6, 1933 in Minneapolis, MN. He was the youngest twin of four siblings, born to the late Henry and Lucille McDuffie, both who preceded him in death. Roosevelt accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at an early age and, along with his family, attended and served at First Churh of God in Christ for many years. In fact, he was the longest-standing Superintendent of Sunday School. In 1950, he graduated from Vocational Technical School where he studied Graphic Arts. He took odd jobs until being drafted into the Army in 1953. While in the Army, Roosevelt received a medal for good conduct. Following his honorable discharge, Roosevelt graduated from Dunwoody Technical School. He then met and married the beautiful Laura Louise McDuffie. His love for children led him to becoming a Cub Scout / Boy Scout leader. Roosevelt had a wonderful work ethic and was very competitive. He was employed with the Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife, retiring after 32 years. As a Graphic Artist, he accomplished many groundbreaking feats such as the creation of several signs and maps which included hand-drawn wildlife. These signs can be seen all over the United States highways and parks. During his early years, Roosevelt was a boxer for the Golden Gloves organization, at which he won several matches. He also had severl hobbies and interests including fishing, hunting, golfing, skiing, ice-skating, horseback riding, and playing Scrabble. He made sure his children learned these things as well. He loved music and played many instruments - his favorite being the saxaphone, which he played during church servies. Another love of Roosevelt's life was photography. He photographed family, friends, and church members and had an interest in documenting church history. Over the last two years, Roosevelt was very influential in the Jewish commumity, in both Minneapolis and Las Vegas. The Jewish community loved his spirit and enthusiasm and - along with all of his family and frineds - will miss him greatly! Roosevelt is survived by his wife, Laura; children, Roosevelt, Jr., Jerome (Teri), Robert (Joann), and Pamela (Jimmy); many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brothers, Harold, and Roosevelt's twin brother, Franklin (Norma) McDuffie; also survived by a host of relatives and friends. Arrangements entrusted to the Spielman Mortuary.