Celebrating the life of
William D. "Bill" Diffenderfer
March 11, 1935 - July 06, 2010
William Doyle "Bill" Diffenderfer, 75, a resident of The Landings, Savannah, suffered a stroke on vacation in Williamsburg, VA and passed away at Newport News, VA on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. Bill was born to Leo E. and Elizabeth Minor Diffenderfer on his father's "Hilltop Farm" in Jonesville, VA. He graduated from Jonesville High School and from Lincoln Memorial University, in Harrogate TN, where he met "the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen". After marrying her, Bill also graduated from Purdue University, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He spent the majority of his career with The Austin Company, which provides design and construction services. He retired, after 38 years, as Director of Business Development for their Southeast Regional office, headquartered in Atlanta, GA, where he and his wife Dixie spent many happy years raising their family. Bill and Dixie retired to the Landings in 1996; there he enjoyed playing golf and tennis with his friends, and also enjoyed service and fellowship at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Bill, or "Diff," as his family affectionately knew him, had passion for basketball, gardening, crossword puzzles and peanut butter. He was a lover of life, staying physically active every day, approaching all things with a light heart and a good nature. He was a true gentleman, a defender of all things good in the world and he taught his values of kindness, integrity, hard work and reliability to his children and grandchildren on a daily basis through his words and his actions. His family was his great joy in life.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Elvin Diffenderfer, another brother Palmer Diffenderfer, and a sister, Girzelle D. Burke.
Bill is survived by his best friend and wife of 54 years, Dixie, their children, Monica Anthony Mastrianni of Savannah, William F. Diffenderfer Dianne of Jacksonville, FL and Rachel Philip Ritchie of Charlotte, NC and by his beloved grandchildren, Patrick and Alyssa Mastrianni, and April, Will and Robin Diffenderfer. He is also survived by his brother Leo of Blacksburg, SC, his brother Harold of Kannapolis, NC, as well as eight nieces and nephews.
Memorial Visitation: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, July 9, 2010 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel.
Memorial Service: 11:00 a.m. Saturday, July 10, 2010 at Isle of Hope United Methodist Church. Interment will take place at a later date at Sharon Baptist Church in Knoxville, TN.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer donations to:
The Fortner-Diffenderfer Scholarship Fund at Lincoln Memorial University, Cumberland Gap Pkwy, P.O. Box 2005, Harrogate, TN, 37752
Attn.: Cynthia Whitt or
Isle of Hope United Methodist Church, 412 Parkersburg Rd, Savannah, GA, 31406 earmarked "The Greenhouse Project" for the youth, or
The Wesley Community Centers of Savannah, GA, 1601 Drayton St., Savannah, GA 31401.
The LMU alumni family was saddened to hear about the loss of a true friend and fellow alum. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dixie and the entire Diffenderfer family.
- Donnie Lipscomb, LMU, Harrogate, TN
Dixie, though I haven't seen you in some time, our sympathies and heart felt condolences are no less felt. What a wonderful life you both had together with you family. May God grant you peace and comfort knowing that you are not alone. EdithRoachBullock.
- Edith & Carl Bullock`, Knoxville, TN
Mom, Dad, Jack and I were very saddened to read about Bill in the newspaper. We hope you can feel God's power going out to you and your family right now. We will be praying.
- Bridget Day, New Tazewell, TN
Many fond memories surface when we think of when you came to Isle of Hope Church. Bill always had a pleasant smile on his face and a kind word for all. He will be missed by your family, Church and dear friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim and Mavis Trice
- Jim & Mavis Trice, Lake Junaluska, NC
The LMU alumni family was saddened to hear about the loss of a true friend and fellow alum. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Dixie and the entire Diffenderfer family.
- Donnie Lipscomb, LMU, Harrogate, TN
Dixie, though I haven't seen you in some time, our sympathies and heart felt condolences are no less felt. What a wonderful life you both had together with you family. May God grant you peace and comfort knowing that you are not alone. EdithRoachBullock.
- Edith & Carl Bullock`, Knoxville, TN
Mom, Dad, Jack and I were very saddened to read about Bill in the newspaper. We hope you can feel God's power going out to you and your family right now. We will be praying.
- Bridget Day, New Tazewell, TN
Many fond memories surface when we think of when you came to Isle of Hope Church. Bill always had a pleasant smile on his face and a kind word for all. He will be missed by your family, Church and dear friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jim and Mavis Trice
- Jim & Mavis Trice, Lake Junaluska, NC
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
