Ted Ransom McDuffee

Ted Ransom McDuffee, 90, of Anderson passed away on August 22, 2023, at Community Hospital. He was born in Anderson on December 6, 1932, the son Orabelle Lawrence McDuffee and Gentry Charles McDuffee.

Ted graduated from Markleville High School in 1950 with a class of 27. He went on to attend DeVry Technical Institute in Chicago. He worked a short time at Delco Remy and in 1952 became a TV and Appliance Serviceman working for his father-in-law at Wyatt’s TV & Appliances in Anderson. He started at the beginning of color TV and working directly with technicians from RCA he helped develop several service techniques used in the industry.

Ted married Carolyn Sue “Suzi” McDuffee on October 3, 1952, enjoying sixty years of marriage before her passing in 2013. Together they owned and operated McDuffee TV Service, a very successful business in Anderson. He diligently kept himself knowledgeable of rapidly changing technology and was well respected by many in the industry and finally retired in 2020.

In 1979 he became a born-again Christian. He served many positions within the church, first with Chesterfield Christian Church and then with Central Christian Church in Anderson. He was a very devout and Godly man.

Ted was very proud of his service with the Chesterfield Optimist Club. As a lifetime member he served as President as well as other positions. He was recognized several times as Optimist of the Year. He also sponsored several Optimist youth basketball teams. He proudly cooked pancakes for many years at the annual 4th of July Pancake Breakfast until failing health prevented him from doing so.

His love of family led him into genealogy research, it took over 20 plus years to compile enough to write a book of his family history. His research led him to the Clan MacDuff Society which he joined, diving in headfirst leading up to serving as Grand Convenor and receiving awards for meritorious service. In his spare time, he would be found in his woodshop, he turned out to be a master craftsman and furniture builder. As with any tasks, hobbies, organizations, and career he put his heart and soul into becoming the best he could be.

Surviving is his daughter, Terri Leeman, Anderson; son Greg (wife Teresa) McDuffee, Summitville. He was “Papaw” to grandchildren Maggie McGuire (fiancé Jake) and Mallory (husband Danny) Stanley, Anderson; Caitlin McGuire, Lapel; Kelli (husband Jimmy) Darter, Price, Utah; Gentry McDuffee, Alexandria, and step-grandchildren Jesse (wife Katie) Johnson, Frankton and Jennette (husband Josh) Dunlap, Sibley, MO and sixteen great grandchildren. He’s also survived by his brothers Joe (Susan) McDuffee, Frankton and James (Jo Anne) McDuffee, Habersham, GA. He was proceeded in death by his wife Suzi, parents and siblings, Judith, Jack, and Richard McDuffee.

At his wishes, cremation will take place and his Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, Sept. 16th at 11am at Central Christian Church, Anderson officiated by Pastor Rick Vale. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Chesterfield Optimist, mailed to Kathy Duff at PO Box 3095 Anderson, IN 46018 or Central Christian Church, 923 Jackson St; Anderson, IN 46016.