Rene Raymond Dufour, 77, of Hot Springs, Virginia, passed into eternity from his residence at Hillandale Farm on August 27, 2012. Rene was born August 5, 1935 in Hot Springs at the Bath County Community House, the son of the late Louie Pierre Dufour and Clara Stinnett Dufour. He attended grade school in Ashwood and graduated high school from Greenbriar Military Academy in Lewisburg, WV. He also attended Linden Hall Academy and Georgetown University in Washington DC. Rene was a fine athlete in prep school, excelling in basketball, track & field and boxing. Rene served in the US Army and spent time in Korea during the Korean War. Rene returned stateside and worked for American Airlines for several years in Washington DC before returning to Bath County. In 1959, Rene married the love of his life, Mary Madge Alexander and they celebrated 53 years of marriage. In 1963, Rene and Madge moved to Hot Springs and made their home at Hillandale Farm. Rene quickly become involved in serving his community in various capacities including serving on the Bath County School Board for 20+ years, the chairman of the Republican Committee, many years on the Electoral Board in Bath County, a member of Fort Lewis Hunt Club, the Bath Cotillion Club, The Bath County Athletic Boosters Club, The Bath County Airport Authority and the Bath County Community Hospital Board for many years. He served for years as the chain marker for the Bath County Chargers football and was a faithful member and Greeter along with his wife Madge, at Faith Covenant Family Church. Rene was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, golf and work on his farm. He is member of the Greenbriar Military School Alumni.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a son, John Rene Dufour.

Rene’s greatest joy was his wife and family. He was a devoted husband to Madge for 53 years and the adored father & grandfather to 5 children, 12 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Children include Laura Shaver and husband Pastor Steve Shaver of Hot Springs, Dawn Smithwick and husband Dr. William Smithwick of Louisville, KY, a son Louie Dufour and wife Teresa of Hot Springs, a daughter Mary Claire Gram and husband Pastor Bill Gram of Hot Springs and the late John Rene Dufour. Grandchildren include Alex Shaver and wife Maddie, of Cameron, N.C., Tyler Shaver of Radford, Virginia, Trey Shaver of Hot Springs, Brannan Smithwick of Roanoke, Virginia, Holly Smithwick Webster and her husband Matthew of Lexington, KY, Bryce Smithwick of Louisville, Chad Dufour of Virginia Beach, VA, Abby, Lindsay, Isabella and Nicholas Dufour all of Hot Springs and Benjamin Briggs of Cookeville, TN; two great grandchildren, Tyler and Hunter Shaver of Cameron, NC; a daughter-in-law, Cindy Dufour of Virginia Beach; and a treasured family member Jean Sullenberger of Staunton, VA.

A celebration of his Life will be held 2:00 p.m., Saturday, September 1, 2012 at McLaughlin and Young Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to services, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Union Chapel. Military honors will be provided by VFW Post 1033 Curtis A. Smith Honor Guard.

Memorial Contributions may be made to The John Dufour Memorial Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 14, Hot Springs, Virginia 24445; The Faith Covenant Family Church, Box 551, Hot Springs, Virginia 24445; or to the Hot Springs Rescue Squad, P.O. Box N, Hot Springs, Virginia 24445

9 Comments

  1. Rene is the prefect example how a man should live. You could never find a better man. He was kind, compassionate and god fearing. He severed is god, country and community. Raised wonderful kids. Now that is a legacy!!

    Steve Sharp

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    • such kind words, thank you. Laura

      Reply
  2. God Bless the Durfour Family during this time. Twelve years Renee and his family worked across the hall from me at the Homestead and he was a dear man with a kind soul who loved his family with a true passion. RIP.

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    • Thank u John for such kind words. Laura

      Reply
  3. It has been quite some time since I saw Rene, but I always remember his smile and his sweetness. He was always so kind and loving to me and my family (as was/is his whole family) and I remember the sparkle that was in his step, in his eyes and in his laugh. I am thankful that I will see him again one day, and comforted to know that he is at peace in the arms of his Savior.

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  4. I lived in Bath Co. for several years and attended church with Rene. While I didn’t know him I don’t think there is anyone who can argue that he was a man of great character! It was an honor to get to know him and his family, I know he will be greatly missed. Grace and peace to the Dufour clan as you mourn his passing and celebrate his life. What a great life to celebrate!

    In Christ,

    Shane

    Reply
  5. My heart felt prayers go out to the Dufour family. They have always been good friends of mine, from going to school with Laura, Dawn, and Mary Clair, and playing baseball with John and Louie. I always remember going to football games with Rene and the boys. Rene was always a supporter to us. He will be dearly missed.

    Reply
  6. Peace be with you and your family. I will always remember the kindness your Dad and your family showed me. What a great father to have. I am so sorry for your loss.

    Reply
  7. My thoughts and prayers are with the family in this time of sorrow.

    Reply

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