Frank Edward Daffin

Frank Edward Daffin, Sr., a native of Mobile, entered this world on October 2nd, 1936, to the blessed union of his parents Rufus Edward and Sallie Mae Daffin. He faithfully served many throughout his life, before transitioning peacefully into eternity on May 16, 2020.

Frank attended Most Pure Heart of Mary High School.  Upon graduation in 1955, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served his country honorably for four years.  He returned home to marry Pearly, who would remain his bride for 60 years.  Frank joined the Mobile Police Department as one of the first African American police officers in the area, protecting the city for nine years before extending his law enforcement career in another arena.  He became the first African American United States Deputy Marshal for South Alabama, serving with distinction for 24 years. Emblematic of his strong work ethic, Frank spent only a few days in retirement, before returning to Mobile’s downtown federal building as a court security officer - adding another 15 years to his long record of public service.  Over the years, he was a faithful member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, the Knights of Saint Peter Claver, and the Improved Benevolent and Protective Order Elks of the World.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents Rufus Edward and Sallie Mae Daffin, and his sister, Shirley Jean Daffin.

Among those cherishing his memory are: his wife Pearly Mae Daffin; two daughters - Tamara Daffin McClendon of Mobile, AL and Pamela Daffin-Sibless of Chicago, IL; five sons - Frank (Elizabeth) Daffin of Roslindale, MA, Gary Daffin of Jamaica Plain, MA, Paul (Lashawn) Daffin of Daphne, AL, Jonathan (Tiffany) Daffin and James (Mary) Daffin, both of Mobile, AL; 16 grandchildren - Joshua McClendon, Nicholas McClendon, Jaylen Daffin, Matysan McClendon, Hannah Daffin,  Klaesyn Sibless, Mateo Daffin, Dallas Daffin, Paige Daffin, Paul Daffin Jr., Isabel Daffin, Sofia Daffin, Chelsea Daffin, Lacey Daffin, Dillon Daffin, Dustin Daffin; as well as many other relatives and friends.

A special thank you is extended to Dr. William Blalock, Dr. Damion Collins, Dr. Anita Kimberly, and Dr. Connie Uzel for their continuous dedication to Frank’s well-being.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 22, 2020 at Christian Benevolent Funeral Home from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm.  A graveside service will be held at Pine Crest Cemetery at 2:00pm Saturday, May 23, 2020. Christian Benevolent Funeral Home is located at 201 N Hamilton St, Mobile, AL 36603. Pine Crest Cemetery is located at 1939 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to St. Mary’s Catholic Church or The American Bladder Cancer Society. A memorial service will be scheduled at a later date.