Fletcher Hewitt McDuffie, 88, of Columbia, died Friday, November 26, 2021. Born July 29, 1933, in Bennettsville, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Charles Arthur McDuffie, Sr. and Nell Cleo Dailey McDuffie.

Mr. McDuffie was a US Navy veteran and until his retirement was employed as a diesel mechanic. He was a former member and Deacon at Dentsville Baptist Church and a current member of Spring Valley Baptist Church. Mr. McDuffie was a Mason and member of Dentsville Masonic Lodge #398, the Scottish Rite body, of Columbia, as well as the Jamil Temple. Prior to the expansion of the Columbia Fire Department, Mr. McDuffie was the Assistant Chief of the North Trenholm Volunteer Fire Department.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Betty Lou Caulder McDuffie; children, Becky Brown (Alan), Joey McDuffie (Brenda), Tommy Sauls (Rachel), Chris Sauls (Kim), Tim McDuffie (Sue), Joan McGee (Wayne), and Tony McDuffie (Melody); as well as 22 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. He is also survived by his siblings, C.A McDuffie, Jr. (Joann) and Virginia Williamson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Doris Mills and Bea Matthews.

The funeral service for Mr. McDuffie will be held at 12:30 o'clock Wednesday, December 1st at Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Rd, Columbia, SC. Burial will follow at 2 o'clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC.

The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 11 o'clock in the sanctuary of the church.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, 190 Knox Abbott Drive # 301, Cayce, SC 29033 or to the Alzheimer's Association, 140 Stoneridge Drive #640, Columbia, SC 29210.