James Hal Duke
July 6, 1931 ~ February 25, 2015
WHITAKERS - James "Hal" Duke, Jr., age 83, died at home in Whitakers, NC on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, following a brief battle with cancer. He was the son of the late James Hal Duke, Sr. and Mary Ella Blackley Duke. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Carolyn Duke; and his siblings, Julia Duke Fuller and Genive Duke Moss.
Hal was born July 6, 1931 in Kittrell, NC, where he was raised. He served in the US Army from 1953 to 1955. He worked for the NC Wildlife Commission for 28 years where he retired as Captain of Enforcement. He often made the statement that it never got old, he loved his job so much. Hal was a member of the Whitakers Lion Club, a member of Scotfield Country Club and a faithful worshipper of Gethsemane Baptist Church in Whitakers, NC.
He lived to cherish the memories of his children, James H. Duke, III (Dickie) and his wife, Cheryl of Greenville, NC; daughter, Scarlette Duke Bennett of Battleboro, NC; his grandchildren, Maygen Bennett Garris and her husband, Joshua of Whitakers, NC and Scotty Lynn Bennett of Rocky Mount, NC and his great-grandchild, Mollie Cotton Garris.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, March 1, 2015 at 2:00 pm at Oakwood Cemetery, Louisburg, NC. A visitation will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share your memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 2/28, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
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Location Not Available
Sunday 3/1, 2:00 pm
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Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
A loyal and loving friend and neighbor. We will truly miss him and send our love and prayers to his family!
He sat on the same row as we did at church for many years. He always had a smile for everyone and something nice or funny to say. He was a very caring friend to all he knew and I don’t think he ever met a stranger. A true caregiver to many. He will truly be missed and always remembered!
ps. I know your looking down at us kissing yourself saying I love me!!!! Blessed to have shared memories with you!
Lit a candle in memory of James Hal Duke
Lit a candle in memory of James Hal Duke
Mr. Hall will be missed by all. He was a shining example of doing for others. He was always jolly and had upbeat , positive attitude even during his illness. He loved his family and friends. We will certainly miss him at Gethsemane and in the Lion’s Club. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Debbie & Freddie Blackmon
Lit a candle in memory of James Hal Duke
My respect and love go to Hal and his children.
My heartfelt sympathy goes to your family. Having meet Mr. Duke a few times, I know where your strength, commitment to life and love of people came from. The Duke family was very fortunate to have such a father figure and a friend to many in the community.
Lit a candle in memory of James Hal Duke
Scarlett, I’m so sorry for your loss! He was such a wonderful man and my mama (Punkin Melton) and I thought the world of him! Sending prayers for comfort and peace to you and the family! May God Bless you Henry
I am W.Alan Basnight and worked in the Wildlife district with Hal while stationed in Warren Coujnty. From 1967 until 1971. He was a very dedicated officer and his help guided me into the right direction on many occasions. My condolences and prayers are with the family.
Scarlette, I was so saddened to learn of Mr. Duke’s passing. He was such a nice man. He was always so kind to my grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Walker and we always appreciated him looking out for them. You were so blessed to have such an awesome Dad and we were all so blessed to have known Mr. Duke. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers during the days ahead. God Bless You. Elaine Beal
Praying for you and your family in this time of sorrow Harvey Taylor
Dickie and Scarlette, I am sorry for the loss of your dad. Lots of memorys from the Battleboro days when I worked with your mom at M.C. Braswell store and would see your dad when he would drop by to see your mom at work. He would always have the answer to wildlife questions I would ask him. What a super guy he was. Edwin Everette
On Wednesday night, with my sister and I by his side, Dad stepped in to Glory and saw Jesus face to face. Our hearts ached, but there was a peace about the moment knowing where he had gone. That was something he looked forward to and talked to us about. His faith made his passing more tolerant. His courage was remarkable, he never changed, even as death grew near. Dad taught us many things. He taught us to be kind, gentle, understanding, humble and to treat all with respect and love. He told us these things, but his living example was the greatest teacher. He never met a stranger and most that met him liked or loved him. He was loved in the community and served at church and the Lions Club. He truly enjoyed helping others. Even in his last days, when he was really sick, he had a kind word for all that came by, wishing them a great day and telling them that he loved them. Dad taught me just about everything I know. He taught me how to hunt, fish and to love the outdoors. I remember sitting in his lap at the age of 6 shooting tin cans with a .22 and at age 7 sitting in his lap squirrel hunting. He was there when I shot my first dove, quail, rabbit and deer. We had many great days quail hunting after school. The most important lesson Dad taught me was how to be a man. We talked often on the importance of how you lived your life. I will never forget, he told me, son a mans word is his bond, always say what you will do, and do what you say. Treat others, as you would have them treat you. No greater example of how to be a man was shown when he took care of our mother. For five years he was by her side after she had a stroke. He did everything for her with a smile and a joy of being able to do it. I know this was hard on him, but I never heard him complain, not once. I cant remember him complaining about anything, he was such an optimist. I could go on for a long time telling you what a great man and father he was but I will conclude with this A persons success is not measured by acquiring worldly goods. True success is measured by how you live your life, how you treat others and what they think of you. My Dad was the most successful person I will ever know. Pops, You left this world the way you lived with integrity, dignity and grace. We will always love you. We will forever miss you and will never forget you. We will strive to live the lessons you taught us and pass them on to others. You will live in our hearts forever. Our faith tells us we will see you again, until then Rest In Peace.
Dear Family, we are so sorry to learn of the death of Mr. Dukes. The many tributes give evidence that he is loved and will be sorely missed. May your many memories bring you peace. May the words of Psalm 3418 bring you comfort. This Psalm of David reminds us that Almighty God is close to broken hearted ones and that He saves those who are crushed in spirit. Our sympathy to all of you.
Though I have not known Hal as long as most of you, I can say that I truly love and respect him. He was very faithful in his attendance at Gethsemane and his favorite pew is very empty. Phil was always happy to respond to a call from Hal for whatever he may have needed done and spoke with respect about Mr. Duke. Loving prayers to his family. Bette and Phil Strickland