William Clarence Duke, 87, of Cumming passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 19, 2017. He lived in Forsyth County for 20 plus years after moving here from Decatur. He was a member of Cumming First United Methodist Church, the Faithful Fellowship Sunday school class and the Disciples Bible Study. He also coached little league baseball for over 13 years. William served his Country during the Korean War in the United States Army. He loved to play tennis and bridge. He was a loving Husband, Father and Grandfather.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Marlene Duke of Cumming; son, Jim and Janet Duke of Dawsonville, and grandsons, Jonathan Trent Duke and William Todd Duke.
Before moving to Forsyth County, William was active at Decatur First United Methodist Church and a founder of the Knox Peabody Sunday School class where he was a member for many years.
In his career, William was a builder, developer and real estate broker in Dekalb county and a member of the Million Dollar Club. He worked with Thibadeau Realty for 17 ½ years and then opened his own office, William Duke Realty. William developed commercial style shopping centers and the Country Address Subdivision.
William received an award from the DeKalb YMCA for obtaining the highest point total in their membership campaigns for 12 years and was a Mason with membership in the Vidalia Lodge.
William and his family moved to Cumming in 1995 where he developed a subdivision on Lake Lanier and built an office building in downtown Cumming.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2017 at 3 p.m. at Cumming First United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 4– 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Cumming First United Methodist Church general fund or the Gentle Souls group or to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be expressed at www.mcdonaldandson.com.
McDonald and Son Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Sign our online guestbook at forsythnews.com.
Forsyth County News
October 27, 2017
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Its been 2 years since Bill left us here on earth; however, his spirit lingers & reminds me of business lessons he taught me. I know you miss him dearly Marlene. Rejoice in knowing youll be back together one day.
Brent Lee
Friend
October 14, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
J
October 27, 2017
Please accept my condolences on the loss of your love one.
October 26, 2017
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
L.W. McDonald and Son Funeral Home
October 26, 2017
So sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I will miss seeing him at Church, he always had a smile on his face and made me laugh. He is resting in God's loving embrace. Marlene may the Lord's mercy and grace comfort you.
Richard Fahey
October 25, 2017
Marlene, we were saddened at the bridge club to learn of his passing. He always kept me informed of the health issues of a mutual friend and associate. Ive heard some funny stories about him in the last few days that brought back memories and laughter. May you be comforted to know that others are sharing in your sorrow, but we can celebrate his life and know that he is rejoicing in heaven.
Jean Bourn
Friend
October 24, 2017
I am very sorry to hear of the passing of your love one William. May you find peace and comfort in the God of all comfort.
Chuck Jonesboro
October 24, 2017
I know that All of you are hurting right now, and I am so very sad for you. He was a fine man who always had a smile on his face and who loved his family with all his heart. Love you, Janet, Jim, Trent and Todd... Love,Susan Morrison Thompson
Susan Thompson
October 24, 2017
With heartfelt sympathy. please accept my deepest condolences. He was a joy to be around.
Carlton Williams
October 23, 2017
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your lost. May the God of comfort, comfort your family and friends at this difficult time. Matthew 5:4
October 23, 2017
With heartfelt sympathy. Please accept my deepest condolences. May you continue to cherish his precious memories together. May you find comfort in the God of all comfort to offer you comfort and to give you the strength to endure during these difficult times ahead.
October 23, 2017
Our sincere sympathy to you and your family at this time of mourning. We remember fondly our years together in the Knox-Peabody Class at Decatur First United Methodist Church.
May our Lord comfort you and give your heart peace.
Jim and Patty Leathers
October 23, 2017
Deepest sympathy to family and friends during this difficult time. May you receive comfort and peace from above. Hosea 13:14
October 23, 2017
To the family and friends please accept my condolences know that the God of all comfort feel your pain and sorrows. Isaiah 61:1,2 reads:He sent me ( Jesus Christ) to bind up the broken hearted and to comfort all who mourn.
October 23, 2017
Marlene,
I was sorry to see William's obit in today's paper. I hope that he did not suffer long before he passed away. My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
Marijo Culwell
October 23, 2017
Ken and Terri Bryson
October 23, 2017
William "Grizzly" Duke was an exceptional person. From the day I met him, he treated me as if I was family. He will continue to live on in our hearts and memories.
I will love you and miss you always.
Kristin Roquemore
October 23, 2017
Bill was one of the most interesting people I've ever known. I've missed the real estate adventures we used to go on. He was a witty man with a wry sense of humor, which one had to be quick to get it. Bill always spoke of his family in prideful terms, especially mindful of his beloved Marlene. I pray God grant comfort to Bill's loved ones in their time of sadness, as we celebrate a good man's life & the joy of having known him...
Brent & Donna Lee
October 23, 2017
May the God of all comfort strengthen the family during this time of deep sorrow. Those who pass on, God keeps in his memory because they are precious in his eyes. My sincerest condolences. (Psalms 116:15)
October 23, 2017
I will always remember William from the bridge club...it has been 20 years since we started playing at the same clubs. A very nice man and a joy to be around. He always talked about his wonderful wife, sons and grandsons. He will be missed and may he rest in peace.
Beverly fox
Friend
October 21, 2017
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McDonald and Son Funeral Home and Crematory - Cumming150 Sawnee Dr., Cumming, GA 30040
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