Mr. Philip Bryan “Daff” Daffin, 60, passed away at his home in Onley on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. A lifelong resident of Onley, Daff was born April 15, 1964, in Nassawadox, to the late Philip Milton “Karo” Daffin and Elsie Mae Outten Daffin.
Having been raised in a Christian home, Daff’s parents instilled in him the importance of faith in the Lord, unconditional love and support for family, and helping those in need. These values remained true to who Daff was and define a life of unwavering dedication to others and service to his community.
At the age of 14, Daff found his calling in emergency response when he joined Onley Volunteer Fire and Rescue. His interest quickly extended to medical service, as he became one of the youngest certified EMTs in the department. After several years of training and experience as a volunteer, Daff knew he wanted to pursue a career as a first responder.
In 1986, he began working as a firefighter and EMT for NASA Wallops Flight Facility, where he faithfully served alongside his brothers and sisters for 35 years. Daff remained committed to his volunteer service with Onley VF&R until its closing in 2017 and then transferred to Tasley Volunteer Fire Company, where he was a life member and past president. Throughout his nearly four decades as a first responder, Daff remained grateful for the bond shared amongst his brothers and sisters in fire service, a bond that existed no matter the house you served.
The loss of Daff’s earthly presence will undoubtedly be profound, but he would want you to find comfort in knowing you will see him again. Rest assured, he’ll be waiting at the pearly gates with a smile, a hug, and a joke at the ready.
Left to cherish his memory and honor his legacy are his wife, Candace Shirk “Candie” Daffin; children, Alyssa DeYoung, of Onley, Alex Farlow, Marie Maltba, and Jessica Stanley, all of North Carolina, and Kathy Shirk, of Alabama; sister, Cindy Daffin Mears, of Onley; grandchildren, Vanette, Elizabeth, Kenzie, Cayden, Kate, Kourtney, Skylar, Maddox, Makayla, Carson, Katona, and DJ; niece, Stephanie Bradshaw; and nephew, Billy Mears.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Carolyn “Faye” Hotvedt and her husband, Steve.
A funeral service celebrating Daff’s life will be conducted from the Exmore Baptist Church Outreach Center on Saturday, Feb. 15, at 11 a.m., with the Rev. Jonathan Carpenter officiating. Interment will be held at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery. Following interment, the family invites friends to join them to continue celebrating Bryan’s life at the Tasley Volunteer Fire Company.
Those who knew Daff best knew he kept it casual and was often seen sporting his Patriots jersey. Please come as you are and feel free to represent your favorite sports team … even if it’s not the Patriots.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Shore Christian Academy, P.O. Box 28, Belle Haven, VA 23306 or to Tasley Volunteer Fire Company, P.O. Box 68, Tasley, VA 23441.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at
www.williamsfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements were made by the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home.
