William Douglas "Bill" Duty

A God-loving man, William Douglas “Bill” Duty, 93, of Delbarton, WV, passed away on February 1, 2025, at his home, leaving behind a legacy cherished by family, friends, neighbors, and students. Bill, affectionately known as “Dad” or “Papaw,” was a beloved figure in the Delbarton community for many decades. Born December 5, 1931, in Ragland, WV, Bill spent the early years of his life living in several places while maintaining roots in his mountain home. Beginning his lifelong dedication to education, Bill travelled around the country—indeed around the world—in his younger years learning and earning degrees in his chosen fields of German, economics, and teaching. Bill was a lifelong educator dedicated to the mission of teaching students. For decades, he was a teacher in the Mingo County public school system where he made an impact on thousands of students. Later in his career, he served as treasurer for the school district before serving on the Board of Education for years. He never missed an opportunity to teach lessons of life and wisdom to loved ones outside the classroom. Bill was also a dedicated Christian and an early member of the Connolly Memorial Baptist Church in Delbarton, where he has served as deacon, trustee and Sunday school teacher. Bill married the love of his life Wenda Lee Duty on March 14, 1953, and they shared 66 years of marriage until her passing in 2020. He is survived by his two children William H. Duty (Judy) of Delbarton and Marcia Price (Randal) of Varney. He is also survived by his four grandchildren William C. Duty (Heather Wolford), Stephen Duty (Tonya Norman), Amanda Brooks, and John Price. Bill also leaves behind several great-grandchildren: William Edward Duty, Olivia Duty, Alexia Bevins, Stephen Philip Duty, Isaac Dixon, Micah Stemple, Shannon Dixon, Shyla Jude, Rebecca Jude, Caleb Jude, Lily Jude, and Emma Jude. His memory will also be cherished by family members Dora Justice, Jenna Chafin, Derek “Snake” Johnson, the Curry family, his beloved cat Spike, and many more. A service celebrating Bill’s life will be held Saturday, February 8, at 1:00 p.m. at Connolly Memorial Baptist Church. Visitation will take place at the church prior to the service beginning at 11:00 a.m. Cremation will follow the service. Chafin Funeral Home is providing support to the family. “Jesus said, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Those who believe in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die.’” – John 11:25-26

William Douglas "Bill" Duty

December 5, 1931 - February 1, 2025

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William Douglas "Bill" Duty

December 5, 1931 - February 1, 2025

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

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