Ira Elmer “Macky” McDuffie III, 81, passed away on Monday, September 7, 2026. Born on October 28, 1944, in Jacksonville, 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, 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, Virginia, Macky completed the program and achieved the Watercraft Operator’s License. Macky was deployed to Vietnam were 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. He was preceded in death by his parents; daughter Tara McDuffie; and grandson Joey “Bubba” Rhoden.
Macky is survived by Joanne Long McDuffie, his loving wife of 16 years; sister Fern McDuffie Bevis; sons Bryan McDuffie, Terry Long (Amy) and Vince McDuffie; daughters Misti McDuffie Lageman and Windi McDuffie; stepsons Michael Rhoden (Crystal), Mitchell Rhoden (Brenda) and Matthew Rhoden (Marshall); 13 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and countless close friends he made over his lifetime that he loved deeply.
A funeral will be held on Saturday, August 12, at 11 a.m. at Heritage Church (former United Methodist Church) in Macclenny. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 11, from 6-8 p.m., at the church. Mackie will be laid to rest in South Prong Cemetery with military honors. Earl Knabb, Mitch Canady, Ronnie Johns, Carl Wilkerson, Gary Crews, and Donny Carls will honor Mackie as his pallbearers. Arrangements are under the care of Archer-Milton Funeral Home.