Mahaffey, Clarence Edward

Clarence (Duke) Edward Mahaffey unexpectedly departed this world for Heaven on Monday, February 13, 2023. He was born in Pearisburg, Virginia on March 23, 1956, to the late Edward Floyd (Ed) Mahaffey and Frances Kathryn (Honey) King Mahaffey.

In addition to his parents, Duke was preceded in death by his sisters Charlene Mahaffey Williams and Trevia Mahaffey Jennings.

Duke was often seen at a sporting event wearing his one-of-a-kind Bandana Hat. He often arrived an hour before the event started to be sure he was the first person sitting in the stands to cheer on his pride and joy, Lulu and Baby K. Many people knew Duke as a man of few emotions with a stubborn streak and rough hands from years of hard work. His love for Lulu and Baby K transformed him into a caring, supportive, loving grandfather with car seats in his mud-covered truck. He was always one phone call away to provide a pickup or drop off anywhere his precious cargo needed to go. The girls would often arrive home to find him sitting in the driveway waiting to give them a big hug and give treats to his beautiful fur grandbabies.

Duke loved attending the Fiddler’s Conventions in his custom made, army green, school bus RV. He spent many nights and weekends working on race cars and competing at the New River Valley Speedway. Duke was a member of the Little Meadows Hunt Club for many years and the proud owner of the “Monster Truck” of Giles County that pulled many stranded motorists out of the mountains when traditional tow trucks could not make it. Duke was honored to be a member of the “Sandy’s Chevron Club” and spent many hours there solving the world’s problems. He leaves behind an entire group of people that won’t know what to do without him telling them how to do things right.

Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Michelle Dawn Steele, his two grandchildren, Hannah Elizabeth Steele and Kaitlyn Michelle Steele. He is also survived by sister, Shelby Mahaffey; nieces, Julie Parsons, Jessica Pritt, Sherry Kosgei, and nephew, Travis Norfleet. He also leaves behind his precious fur grandbabies, Diesel Smoke and Maggie Mae.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House or the Giles Boosters. Duke was an avid supporter of the Ronald McDonald House and donated thousands of aluminum tabs per year to this program.

Duke requested that his body be donated to science, but due to the circumstances with his passing, his body will be cremated. Services will be held at Riverview Baptist Church at 219 Big Stony Creek Road in Ripplemead, Virginia on Sunday, February 19, 2023. Family will receive friends from 2:00 PM until 4:00 PM. A memorial service will follow at 4:00 PM. A guestbook is available for sending condolences by visiting www.kendallfuneralhome.com. The staff of Kendall Funeral Home are honored to serve the Mahaffey family.