In Memoriam: Bishop Paul Duffey

Bishop Paul Andrews Duffey who served the Louisville Area with great distinction from 1980 to 1988, died on Sunday in Gainesville, Georgia. His funeral will be held at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, Alabama on Friday, March 23rd at 11:00 a.m. CDT.  The Clergy of the United Methodist Church will be named honorary pall bearers for the service and there will be seating reserved for clergy and their spouses.

Bishop Duffey and his wife, Louise, endeared themselves to all of us in Kentucky and Red Bird. Bishop Duffey was one of God’s humble servants leading Kentucky Methodism with keen judgment and a gentle spirit. He was a man of good humor, a quick wit and a deep affection for the pastors and laity under his care. He watched over us in love, and we benefited from his skilled leadership.

Bishop Duffey was born a twin on December 13, 1920 in Brownsville, Tennessee. He moved with his parents when he was eight years old to Alabama. He graduated from Birmingham Southern College and Vanderbilt University. He and Louise married in 1944 and were blessed with a son, Paul Jr., and a daughter, Melanie. They served six appointments in the Alabama-West Florida Conference. He was a member of our Church Judicial Council while serving as District Superintendent of the Montgomery District. He was elected Bishop in 1980 and assigned to the Louisville Area. He was highly regarded as an expert on church law and discipline. Even in retirement, other bishops sought out his advice and wise counsel. He also served as Secretary of The Council of Bishops.

Dr. Karl Stegall, who was a close friend and pastor to the Duffeys in their retirement years, said, “One of my favorite definitions of a saint is ‘One who makes it easier for others to believe in God.’ Bishop Duffey was that kind of individual. He made goodness contagious.” 

We rejoice today that Bishop Duffey is at home with his Savior.

"The strife is over, the battle done;
 The Victory of Life is won;
 The song of triumph has begun:
 Alleluia!"

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