Thomas Diffee

Thomas Earl Diffee, a long time resident of Birmingham died Wednesday, April 8, 2015. He was 95 years of age. Born in New Orleans, LA on August 29, 1919 to Toney and Annette Michael Diffee, he graduated from Mobile County High School in Grand Bay, AL and from the University of Alabama with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of Pi Tau Sigma, Scholastic Honor Fraternity for Mechanical Engineering Students, St. Pat’s Society and was Chairman of the Student Branch of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers at the University of Alabama.
He retired from Alabama Power Co. in 1985 as Manager of Hydroelectric Generation. He was a licensed Professional Engineer in the state of Alabama and served two years as Chairman of the Hydraulic Power Committee, a national committee of the Edison Electric Institute.
Veteran of WW II serving on Merchant Marine vessels as Chief Engineer operating in the Atlantic, Mediterranean and Pacific War Zones, and was awarded service ribbons for his service in these war zones, including combat ribbons. He had a commission as Lieutenant Commander in the United States Maritime Service and retained his license as Marine Chief Engineer.
Leader in civic, youth, educational, cultural and humanitarian activities in the Birmingham area; such as serving as organizing President of the Cahaba Heights Little League, President of Cahaba Heights Lions Club and as Zone Chairman and Deputy District Governor for Lions Clubs of Alabama, President of the Zaims Chapter of the Birmingham, Fraternal Council, President of the Birmingham Fraternal Council and President of the Past Presidents Club of the Birmingham Fraternal Council.
He also served as a volunteer in fund raising projects for the United Appeal, Boy Scouts, March of Dimes and the Salvation Army.
He and his wife, Hazel Owen Diffee, were Founders of the Birmingham Educational Foundation for the Blind. He served as President for 15 years with the goals of implementing programs to educate blind children in the regular classrooms of the Birmingham Public Schools and to improve the opportunities for handicapped persons to obtain gainful employment.
He received many awards recognizing his contributions including the Humanitarian Award in 1963 from B’nai Brith and nominations in 1960 and 1963 for the Birmingham Man of the Year Award.
He served as President of the International Genealogy Organization named “The Diff Clan” since 1989 and was author of the book “The Diffee Family in America”.
He was a member of the Elks Lodge 79, the Vulcan Chapter of the American Merchant Marine Veterans and American Legion Post 171.
He is preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Hazel Owen, who died June 27, 2000, and son, Michael Earl Diffee, who died February 22, 2011.
He is survived by his son, Thomas Owen Diffee (Leiann), grandson, Todd Christopher Diffee, great grandchildren, Christopher Owen Diffee and Ashlyn Kay Diffee.
A visitation will be Monday, April 13, 2015, from 10-11 AM at Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home. Graveside service will follow at 11 AM at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South.

Visitation

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM ,Monday, April 13, 2015
Currie-Jefferson Funeral Home Chapel
2701 John Hawkins Parkway Hoover, AL 35244

Graveside

11:00 AM ,Monday, April 13, 2015
Jefferson Memorial Gardens, South
2701 John Hawkins Parkway Hoover, AL 35244