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Duke Gatlin Obituary
Nashville, TN
Duke Whitney Gatlin was born September 20, 1959 in West Plains, Missouri and passed away June 1st, 2016 in Nashville, TN.
He moved with his family to various towns including Tulsa, OK, Alma, AR, and Longview, TX where he graduated from Longview High School serving as the very popular Student Body President in 1977.
Leaving Longview for Austin and the University of Texas Duke excelled in the Plan 2 Program there- graduating in 3 years with Honors. While there he enriched the lives of his Fiji brothers with his wit, humor and brilliance. After an adventurous turn as a bike shop owner in Tyler, Texas Duke returned to Austin and the University of Texas Law School on his path to becoming a Texas Attorney. It was here he made many lifelong friends including a group that made an annual pilgrimage to Padre Island for the next 32 years.
Following UT Law he entered the fledgling Tech Industry first as a success at GTE in Houston then as President of his own company, Digital Connections Inc., in Nashville, Tennessee. Duke has left behind a long string of friends and has touched many lives with his amazing ability to make people love and enjoy his company. While Duke had a passion for his business and co-workers what stood out most was family.
Preceded in death by his parents Austin and Erma Gatlin. He is survived by his son Harrison Cole Gatlin, a recent graduate of Williams College as well as a recipient of the prestigious Fulbright Scholarship. He is also survived by his brother Stephen and wife Laurie Gatlin of Dallas, TX, sister Mary and husband Sam Renfroe of Fairhope, AL, brother Lewis Cook of Pensacola, FL, brother Philip and wife Evelyn Schmitten of Groveton, TX and Harrison's mother Shelly Gatlin of Rockport, TX as well as many other friends and loved ones.
In lieu of flowers Duke would want you to make a donation to the charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Life will be on a date to be determined.
Visit the online obituary: www.woodlawn-roesch-pattonfh.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Duke Gatlin
Sponsored by Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Joyce Gatlin-Huffman
May 1, 2018
I just saw Duke's obituary. I am a second cousin. My father was Gordon Gatlin. His parents were Earl and Flora Gatlin of Longview, TX.
I remember Duke when he was about six years old. I am so sorry to learn of his death.
Elizabeth Jones Spillar
July 26, 2016
Condolences to the Gatlin family, particularly his son. I had the pleasure to know and work with Duke for several years in Houston. He was quite a character -smart, fun, thoughtful......not enough adjectives. Rest in Peace.
nancy gatlin
June 30, 2016
Dukey,Love you and going to miss your happy, smiling face...Enjoyed our holidays together, and special Xmas times, with just the 3 of us celebrating, way back when... I still have xmas ornament, with date and your name on back...You have so, so many friends, family, and especially your son Harry, wbo idolized you,/ vice / versaIm still having a hard time with you not being here, but my heart will be with you forever, till we meet again, somewhere???LOVE YOU MY FAVORITE BRO IN LAW!!!
For the good times.
Monica Weber Moore
June 11, 2016
June 11, 2016
Duke:
Gone way TOO soon. Such commendable accomplishments in such a very short visit here on earth. So many good times at LHS, though you were a grade below, I was stuck with your older brother Steve. ; ) Give us a wink-wink nudge-nudge every once in a while as you know I need it and so will Steve. So now its onward and updward as God is so lucky because he has you to entertain Him.
Love you man,
Monica - Class of '76
Marisol Amaya
June 9, 2016
We feel so sad for his departure. We got to know him no too long but we felt his personally as great person, always smiling and with a great heart. He loves his sweet and playfull dog "pocochico". he always talked proudly about his son which he loves so much. Our condolences to his family. We are going to miss you Mr. Duke. God bless you. housekeepers M&A.
Linda Wallace/Fox-1977
June 8, 2016
So sorry to hear about Duke. I had the honor of knowing him at Longview High School. My thoughts are with the family.
Sheila Ross-Boen
June 8, 2016
Duke was fun to be around at an early age. I remember a birthday party while we were in 2nd grade. The game of pin the tail on the donkey at Duke's family home, north of Alma. It made a lasting memory for me. Duke will be greatly missed.
Kristen Edwards
June 8, 2016
My deepest sympathy to all friends and family of Duke. I'm so sorry to hear of this loss, and my heart goes out to you all! You will be missed.
Judith Mason Pipak
June 8, 2016
In memory of Duke Gatlin. May you rest in peace my friend.
Faye Fuller-Bridges
June 7, 2016
To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord. Duke will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the Gatlin Family. I went to school with Duke at Longview High. I was in the class of 1978.
Patsy Miller-Langston
June 7, 2016
very sweet guy, we went to school together in Alma, ar., prayers for the family
Carole Harrison Cahill
June 7, 2016
My prayers to all the family.
Duke will be missed by us all
Liz Kierum
June 7, 2016
I knew Duke for many (30?!) years and he was a very loyal and wonderful friend!!
Sarah (Blevins) Blan
June 7, 2016
Went to school with him in Alma, Ar. Great guy. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Sandra Clifford
June 7, 2016
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Duke. I always appreciated his cheerful presence and thoughtful approach and he will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Leo Butter
June 7, 2016
Duke was a great guy and I was proud to have called him my friend. We had many great times at the Gatlin house in high school! I will always cherish those memories! I send my prayers to his family and know that the lord has brought him home to live an everlasting life!
Cheryl La Mastra
June 7, 2016
Duke will be greatly missed and I am so sad with his passing! My prayers and thoughts go out to the entire Gatlin family!
Melonye Rodgers
June 7, 2016
My sincerest condolences for the loss of Duke. He was such an incredible person. May God hold you close in the coming days. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
June 7, 2016
I am deeply saddened by the loss of Duke. It was an honor to have known such a great person, and I will truly miss him. My heartfelt condolences go out to Steve and his family.
Sheryl Payton Thompson
Valerie Koglin
June 7, 2016
You have gone to a better place and you will be missed.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
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Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Woodlawn Memorial Park660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204
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