Acil Jerry Diffey

Acil Jerry Diffey, 78, of Lumberton, died Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

Known as “Diffey” among his friends, colleagues, and extended family, Acil was born on July 14, 1945, to Mary Lee Bond Diffey and Elbert Lee Diffey, in Port Arthur. At age 4, his parents moved him and his siblings to Louisiana where he grew up farming and causing mayhem. This was shown in the number of vehicles he owned and rebuilt after he may or may not have damaged them first and by the constant question from his mother, “Acil Jerry! Son, what have you done now?”. Acil learned the trade of operating a dragline from his father which he went on to operate other heavy equipment throughout his career. Acil ultimately retired from TXDOT in 2007.

Diffey loved the outdoors. Hunting and fishing any chance he got. He was adamant about yard maintenance and his hair, no blade of grass or a hair out of place. He loved family gatherings and never met a stranger he couldn’t easily befriend.

Survivors include his wife of 37 years, Denise Madaffri Diffey; daughter, Kelli Diffey Mills; sons, Anthony Chesnutt and Jeremy Chesnutt and his wife, Amanda; grandchildren, Rayna Mills, Rylie Chesnutt McGallion, Sophia Chesnutt, and Owen Chesnutt; siblings, Loretta Owens and Suzanne Stuckey and her husband, Ardis; and an abundance of aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Acil Diffey is preceded in death by his parents, Elbert and Mary Diffey; sister, Jean Bracey; son-in-law, Samuel Mills; brother-in-law, Edwin Owens; and in-laws, Roy and Mary Madaffri.

He will be remembered for all the heart he shared with his friends and family. He truly loved each of them- and if you knew him, you knew it. When the time came, he carried himself with dignity, strength, and full of love for those who went before him. He will be missed dearly.

A gathering of Mr. Diffey’s family and friends will be from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m., Sunday, March 24, 2024, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements will be handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.