Willey Cleveland Durden, Jr., 73, died Thursday, October 22, 2015 at his home in Davie, Florida due to complications from a brain tumor.
Willey was born December 7, 1941 in Quitman, Georgia to the late Julia Watson Durden and Willey Cleveland Durden, Sr. After graduation from Robert W. Groves High School, Garden City, Georgia, in 1960, he served as a rifleman in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, serving as Lance Corporal at the time of his discharge in 1969.
Willey served as a research technician for 47 years with the United States Department of Agriculture. He collected specimens and recorded data along the canals, rivers, and waterways of south Florida and the Everglades, designed and fabricated a variety of experimental tools for aquatic plant research, and used his gifts as a photographer to document invasive water hyacinth and melaleuca tree species. He took great pride in his work and was appreciated by coworkers for his knowledge, geniality, and sense of humor; he retired in 2009.
After retirement, Willey continued to pursue his hobbies of photography, computer tinkering, and fishing, seeking out favorite places at Dania Pier and along New River Canal, as well as enjoying friendships in his condominium community as he and his wife became members of the Rolling Hills Condo Association.
In his final days in home hospice care Willey was lovingly attended to by his wife of 51 years, Anita Tucker Durden, and his three children. Survivors include his daughter, Angela Durden Pasquith and husband Scott, of Indianland, South Carolina; son Wiley Kevin Durden and wife Deborah of Columbia, South Carolina; son Marcus Steven Durden and wife Lesley of Purcellville, Virginia; six grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.
Arrangements entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel.
© 2026 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Philip W. Tipping (Davie FL USA)
October 26, 2015, 12:00 am
Very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of working with Wiley in the field. The first time I went into the field with him on an airboat we had to perform a rescue of another crew that broke down. Wiley took the lead to get everyone home safe.
Phil Tipping
Jorge Leidi (Davie FL United States)
October 26, 2015, 12:00 am
My deepest condolences . . . Willey was a co-worker of mine for many years and I have fond memories of him. We shared many fishing stories together and he taught me how to drive an airboat. Rest in peace Willey, we will miss you.
Eileen Pokorny (Davie FL USA)
October 26, 2015, 12:00 am
There are so many memories of Willey for me that it would be rather a story than a condolence. All the happy and hard hours spent at the USDA he was always there for me to lend a hand or exchange an experience. These memories will forever live in my heart. We will miss you Wiley!!
Allen Dray (Fort Lauderdale FL)
October 26, 2015, 12:00 am
So sorry for your loss, Anita. So many memories of working with Willey on a variety of lakes, rivers, and streams throughout the state. He taught me to drive an air-boat, to walk on water with the help of styrofoam shoes, and so much more. We had many wonderful philosophical discussions during long road trips, and his homespun humor was ever ready to diffuse difficult circumstances. He was so proud of his family, and loved to brag on your kids and grandkids. He will be missed but never forgotten, and you and yours will be in my prayers.
Greg Wheeler (Plantation FL)
October 27, 2015, 12:00 am
Will never forget all he taught me about airboats, John boats, canoes and the long hours spent traveling the back roads of Florida and Texas. Enjoyed many wonderful stories from his vast years of experience. One of the most sociable people I ever met, everyone was his friend. A smile and a funny story to share. He cared deeply and was very proud of his family. Sadly he may be gone but he will remain in our hearts and memories for a very long time.
Lee & Faye tucker (brunswick GA)
October 27, 2015, 12:00 am
our thoughts are with you
Paul Madeira (Fort Lauderdale FL)
October 30, 2015, 12:00 am
Willey was a great guy. As a newbie here back in 1983 Willey was warm and welcoming. When we had very little money and needed a vehicle Willey sold us an old dodge pickup he bought off surplus which served for quite a few years. Willey was the king of the “Jesus” shoes back then at the annual Christmas party. He was kind and friendly but he enjoyed stirring up the pot by getting people with different views to debate their differences on long trips, helping to fill the travel time. While Willey and Anita lived in the trailer they did a great job of keeping an eye on things at the facility.
Willey’s pictures of aquatic plants and insects graced many a brochure or presentation. He was a master with the airboat. He just knew how to get things done.
My prayers for the family are that this time will be filled with many wonderful memories.
Paul Madeira