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Michael DUCKETT Obituary
Survivors include his wife, Suzan Duckett; his mother, Betty L. Warfel and her husband, Larry, of Newport News; one sister, Debra Reams and her husband, Christopher of Yorktown; his mother-in-law, Joyce Tyler of Virginia Beach; two stepsisters, Sandra Stinnett of and Patty Warfel both of North Carolina; two sisters-in-law, Sandy Wood and her husband, Kelly, of Poquoson, and Cheryl Ellis and her husband, Matt, of Chesapeake; a brother-in-law, Gary Tyler and his wife, Diane, of Virginia Beach; numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and his loving dog, Rusty.
He was preceded in death by his father, Guy Duckett Jr.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 7, 2011, at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 8, 2011, at Deer Park Baptist Church with the Rev. Jonathan Judy officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, 870 Greenbrier Circle, Greenbrier Tower II, Suite 404, Chesapeake, VA 23320.
Please leave condolences at www.wjsmithandsonfh.com.
Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael DUCKETT
Susan Brendle
January 15, 2023
Still missing you my friend. Remembering so many good times while you were here with us! Love you always...Peace
ms brown
December 31, 2022
Dear Mike in heaven! I am reminded today of your passing 11 years ago. I know and believe your are in that heavenly choir and will greet all of us one day! May God's peace continue to be with your dear family....ms brown.
Maggie Del Valle
January 27, 2011
Susan, I just got the word about Mike.. I am so very sorry. My thoughts are with you, Please know that you have a great support system in place here for you as well as the Greatest Angel looking over you.
Donna McMillan
January 14, 2011
Hello. I'm on the phone with "Miss Brown" as I write this. She has been sick in bed all week and is hurting over having missed the service for Mike. We have the most wonderful memories! Singing at Ferguson High School with Mike was the BEST! What a wonderful young man and a super tenor. Mike was always fun to be around...he was as dear as can be and I will miss him. I'll be praying for his family. Sending love, Donna McMillan
Sam Spires
January 12, 2011
Mike I will always remember you and your great sense of humor.You're a good friend!
Joni Foster
January 12, 2011
You will be missed Mike!Your family is in my prayers.
Tommy Boyd
January 10, 2011
Mike you were the best freind I ever knew. The memories we share together growing up are endless. You were a brother to me and uncle to Lacey all her life. My heart is broke in-two. You will be in my heart forever. We will be together again my brother. My heart goes out to Susan. Thank you for blessing his life for so many years. You were the love of his life. Always remember that.
Bubba Hutchison
January 9, 2011
Mike was not just a coworker or employee - he was a brother. His warmth, humor and caring permeated all that he encountered. I've chosen to spend the past week laughing at all the memories that he created and I hope that all who knew him will do the same. Mike was a special spirit and I'm a better person, and Brake King a better company, for having been close to him. Love ya Big Mikey!
Renae Motley
January 8, 2011
It won't be the same at Brake King without you, Mike. Thank you for always making me smile and keeping Paige in laughter while ya'll worked together. Wish I could just hug and laugh with you one more time!!!!
Mitch Llewellyn
January 7, 2011
Mike will be missed by all. I was smiling while reading the entries about him being like a little kid in a mans body. It made me smile :) I am one of Mike's many cousins. I remember him as being one of my cousins that really made me laugh. We are both the same age and when my family was visiting once I remember Mike whipping out his electric guitar and amp he had and playing Smoke on the Water. He was only like 10 years old!! I never knew Mike sang in the choir. Being a fun loving kid and being musical does not surprise me. I think it runs in the family :) I wish we had kept in contact more often. You were a great guy Mike and I will miss you. My love and prayers go out to Suzan and Debbie and Aunt Betty Ann and Uncle Larry and the whole family.
Love, Mitch
Eric Sims
January 7, 2011
I will always remember the little kid trapped in a big mans body that was Mike Duckett. I always had somebody to play with at the Midas shop when I was growing up. Thank you for being a great friend of the family.
Godspeed,
Eric Sims
John Shaffer & family
January 7, 2011
I worked with Mike and became his freind in the 80's and 90's. He was one of the most upbeat and friendly persons Iv'e ever met in my life.He will be sadly missed by both Family and friends. My condolences to the family.
Joseph & Angela Martin
January 7, 2011
I don't think there are enough words to express the sadness and disbelief we are feeling right now. The passing of Mikey has come as a great shock to us all.
We send our love and sincere condolences to Suzie... You and your family are forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Mikey was a dear friend to us and always lit up the room. He knew exactly what to say and had the most heartfelt laugh you ever heard.
Mikey we will miss you always.
Terri Boyd Sykes
January 7, 2011
I too remember the times at Joyce's house with all of you talented people. Mike has always been a super guy, a huge smile always on and trying like crazy to crack everyone up. We'll miss you loads-I can hear you singing The Eagles "Best of My Love" right now. Love and Miss you!
Valerie(Nicole's mom) Bacon
January 7, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Marci Wilks-Wilkins
January 7, 2011
Words cannot even express the sorrow I feel. I have known Mike since I was 7 years old..he was a friend of my brothers..he was one of my brothers!!I have such great memories growing up with him around that I will forever cherish. It was great to reconnect with him and Suzan a couple of years ago; and it still felt the same...he was my brother! Love you Mike, you will always be one of my brothers!!! Suzan, may you find peace in this time of sorry, and just know that there is a very special angel looking out for you!!!
January 7, 2011
And one more message sent to me from a Ferguson school mate of Mike's John H. Quinley...
"Incredible how we can be so impacted by lives from 35 years on. I will never forget Mike's caring and kindness deep within his rough and ready exterior. I can hear him singing... "I'm a man of means by no means... King of the road." even now.
I'm inspired to continue to discover that heart in those all about me, who society may discount as little, but who have much gold that is often hidden under much pain, abuse, apathy and/or exploitation.
Thanking God for you, and our network, spanning the decades and miles.
Finally, as I write, Roger Miller's tune has segued into the Shaker song, "Simple Gifts"... And when we find ourselves in the place just right, It will be in the valley of love and delight.
I believe Duck is in a place of love and delight now and forever"
January 7, 2011
And one more wonderful memory...those who have SINCE heard the tape made 35 years ago (and those even who have not heard it since then)will never forget Mike's solo in "He's Gone Away" performed in 1975.
"but he's coming back, if he goes ten thousand miles"... I cherish the time spent together even more...we love you Mike
John H Quinley, Jr.
January 7, 2011
I was in Dr (Miss) Brown's choir at FHS with Mike. I do remember fondly a heart of gold, and a pure voice full of hope and passion. Whether singing "King of the Road" or the "Last Words of David" he was an inspirational singer and a friend who showed kindness to any with a heart to receive.
Ann Marie Riedinger
January 6, 2011
Susan, I am so sorry for your loss. We have never met.. I went to Ferguson HS with Mike. I will always remember his beautiful voice. The poor guy never got a break with us around. The guitar was always out, and we were always singing! God bless you, and may he rest in peace.
Patti Hutchison
January 6, 2011
We love you Mike. You will always be with us.
Kenny Knaub
January 6, 2011
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
Tom Hite
January 6, 2011
Betty and Larry, Our prayers for peace and comfort during this time from all of us at Military Ministry. Blessings, Tom Hite
Steven and Maureen Ruben
January 6, 2011
I have known Mike since highschool and we had some great times together. He worked for my dad and was a roommate of mine for years. Mike was alot of fun and would Never forget a birthday. When I put up the Christmas tree this year, it reminded me of the time Mike and I put up a tree for Suzan when they lived in Poquoson, we ended up laying it against the wall. You will be greatly missed but your memories will always stay fresh in my mind. Suzan, our hearts go out to you. I hope you find some peace in his memories.
Alyssa McPaters
January 6, 2011
Mike will be greatly missed, he was an awesome guy. His family is in my thoughts and prayers! He had a great personality, Mike always kept a smile on my face. I knew for a long time he worked with my dad at brakeking, he used to bring me lunch and dinner when i used to work at the pool. He would do anything for anybody, he was a great and caring man, I will miss him dearly!
Susan Long Brendle
January 6, 2011
Singing "Alleluia" or "My Gently Harp" with Mike truly brought tears to my eyes. There was something about his voice and himself that so many loved. I got to know him at Ferguson HS in the 70's and we became like family to each other. He would crack us up and we'd laugh uncontrollably together at times...anyone remember him playing guitar and singing "Love is Like a Bowl of Soup?" at one of the fun times at Joyce's house? I only wish we could sing together one more time. Peace and blessings to all who knew and loved him. I'm so glad I spent a part of my life knowing him...It was a pleasure.
January 6, 2011
To the Duckett family.
Mike will be greatly missed your family will be in my prayers. Mike was a great guy with a great sense of humor that would brighten any day. Slim Williams
Rusty Tanner
January 6, 2011
My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike's family. Mike and I were inseparable as best friends from the time we met into our adult lives. Even though we did not see each other as much as we used to he always stopped by when he was in the neighborhood to check on my mom. I will always have some of the fondest memories of my life because of Mike. You will be deeply missed my friend.
Dwayne Nettles
January 6, 2011
Mike was a great guy with a great sense of humore wether on the receiving end of a joke or the one starting the prank. Mikes pressence will greately be missed at work and any place else he visited.Suzan you will be in our prayers and mike will forever be in our hearts.
Deana Boyd
January 6, 2011
I have known Mike for many years and he never failed to put a smile on my face. The world lost a great man and he will be missed greatly.
Doug Roaten
January 6, 2011
I went to high school with Mike, and was a fellow tenor in the Ferguson Madrigals, under Dr. (Miss) Brown. Mike lived up the street from me, and would pick me up on the way to school in the mornings. I have so may fond memories of Mike; singing together, as well as time spent together in and out of school. Along with David Carlton we were always together, the 3 Musketeers, and sang a great 3 part rendition of "King of the Road." He was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed; Michael, "we hardly knew ye."
Julie Fite Harris
January 6, 2011
On behalf of my mom's family (Sylvia Woodall Fite) I would like to send condolences to Suzan, Betty Ann, Larry, Debbie and the entire family. May wonderful memories of Michael and the support of each other sustain you during this most difficult time. You are a very special family and we hold you in our hearts.
Love,
Lacey Boyd
January 6, 2011
It is always so difficult to find the words to say to those who loved this person as much as you did. My Uncle Mike was good man. He was loyal, honest, hard working, generous, kind, and loving among many other things. He had a heart of gold and a smile that could light any room. I dont think I can remember a time in my life where he was not there. In times of happiness,need,sorrow & pain. I am a very blessed girl to have had him & Suzan in my life. I think I speak for us all when I say that our lives have been deeply impacted by knowing him. Praise be to God for giving me the opportunity to know Uncle Mikey and I pray peace for all of you who are impacted by this loss. To the greatest man I have ever known....You will be forever loved & missed.
Doug Roaten
January 6, 2011
I went to high school with Mike, and was a fellow tenor in the Ferguson Madrigals under Dr/Miss Brown. I have so many fond memories of Mike; singing together, as well as much time spent together in and out of school. Mike lived up the street from me, and would pick me up on the way to school in the mornings. Along with David Carlton we were always together, the 3 Musketeers, and had a great 3 part rendition of "King of the Road." He was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed; Michael, "we hardly knew ye."
January 6, 2011
I went to high school with Mike, and was a fellow tenor in the Ferguson Madrigals under Dr/Miss Brown. I have so many fond memories of him; singing together, as well as much time spent together in and out of school. Mike lived up the street from me, and would pick me up on the way to school in the mornings. Along with David Carlton we were always together, the 3 Musketeers, and had our own 3 part rendition of "King of the Road." He was greatly loved, and will be greatly missed; Michael, "we hardly knew ye!"
Lacey Boyd
January 6, 2011
It is always so difficult to write one these. Not only for yourself, but to find the words to say to those who loved this person as much as you did, is almost impossible.My Uncle Mike defined what it meant to be a good man. He was joyful, generous, hardworking, loyal, and loving. I cannot look back at a time in my life where He was not there for me. In time of encouragement, in time of need, in time of disapointment, in happiness, in sorrow and pain. He & Suzan always treated me as their own child & I will never forget that. I think everyone who knew Uncle Mike would agree with me that our lives will never be the same.I Praise God for the blessing Uncle Mike & Suzan have been in my life...and to the greatest man I've ever known, You will be forever loved and missed.
REBA CARTER
January 6, 2011
SUZIE, I AM SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS, IF THERE IS ANYTHING I CAN DO FOR YOU PLEASE LET ME KNOW. MIKE LOVED YOU VERY MUCH, YOU WERE ALL HE TALKED ABOUT. KEEP THAT IN YOUR HEART AND HOPEFULLY IT CAN BRING YOU A LITTLE COMFORT
Keith Paquette
January 6, 2011
Mike was a great guy. He was always the first one to get a birthday card or get well card or bring a cake for a birthday. I remember times that I was to busy for lunch and he would show up with lunch from hardees or some home made meal he would share with the employees. My prayers and thoughts go out to Suzan and all his family. We will all miss you Mike, your friend Keith Paquette
January 6, 2011
Mike was a choral student of mine at Ferguson High School in the 1970's and was a musical inspiration to all tenors who followed him. I am grateful for our visit together this past summer along with his longtime music friend, Susan Long Brendle. Mike we love you and we will miss you..Dr. (Miss) Brown
Amanda Smith
January 6, 2011
I will always remember you fondly. You are a good little brother!
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