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John Duke Obituary
John Robert Duke, Jr. passed away from complications of heart disease on April 12th, 2015.
He is survived by his wife, Sheila Davis Duke; son, John Robert (Rob) Duke III (Laurii Buckner); daughter, Sarah Murphy Duke; grandson, Shea Everett Duke; parents, Dr. John Robert Duke and Bobbie Jane Johnson Duke; brother, Patrick Duke (Sally Hewlett) and sister, Renee Duke Miller (Edward Elam Miller).
John was a beloved educator and track coach for over 35 years at Tennessee Preparatory School and Metro Nashville Public Schools, including Martin Luther King Magnet School.
John was a founder and director of the Buster Relays, an institution of Nashville athletics. He was an advocate of the homeless, and worked with St. Henry's Room In The Inn Program for many years. John was an accomplished artist and loved the arts. John loved to cook and entertain family and friends. He showered everyone around him with love and kindness, and will be greatly missed.
Visitation will be on Friday, April 24th from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., at St. Henry Catholic Church, with a funeral Mass to follow at 1 p.m. Private family burial.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Room In The Inn, Martin Luther King Jr. Magnet School Track and Field Team, or the charity of your choice in John's memory.
Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, (615) 646-9292.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Duke
Arnetta Osborne
April 24, 2015
What Constitutes Success
By Bessie Stanley (1905)
He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much;
who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth's beauty
or failed to express it;
who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had;
whose life was an inspiration;
whose memory a benediction.
I loved the spirit of this wonderful, humorous, kind,gentle man. This angel went home to soon. I will always cherish our friendsh. There's no other like you. Mike Wooten said, "John is an all weather friend. He's a friend all the time, no matter what."
Elizabeth Harper
April 23, 2015
Shelia,
I am so sorry to hear about John's passing. He was an awesome guy and one of my favorite people at "The Prep." You and your family will be in my prayers.
adam rohaly
April 23, 2015
Rob-
Very sorry for your loss
Victor Franklin
April 22, 2015
I remember Mr. Duke from T.P.S. great teacher.
Kay (Evitts) Young
April 21, 2015
Mr. Duke..you were my favorite teacher EVER!!!! You and others taught me RESPECT...something i will carry always! YOU WILL BE MISSED! The reunions will never be the same...but im saving you a seat at our table anyway! MY TEACHER..MENTOR AND FRIEND..R.I.P. MR. DUKE..YOU EARNED YOUR WINGS!!!!!
April 21, 2015
Sheila,
I am sorry to hear of the loss for you and your family. What a wonderful man who leaves such a beautiful legacy. Thinking of you.
Dara Russell
Michael Carter
April 21, 2015
Shelia, I'm so sorry to hear about your husbands passing. My heart goes out to you and your family doing this most difficult time.
April 20, 2015
Sheila and family:
I am saddened to hear of the passing of your husband, father, son, relative and friend. May you find a measure of comfort in the times spent with John and the positive memories you have of him. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Sorrowfully,
Don Holmes
April 20, 2015
To Shelia and family, my memories of John as a loving ,caring,giving person not only as an educator but also as a compassionate human being will always be etched in my memories of my 18 yrs at the Prep. His smile was the first thing I saw every morning as I came down the hall. Angela Gill Padgett(TPS-1984-2002)
April 20, 2015
John & Bobbie: Rose & I are saddened to learn of John's passing. Please know that the entire Duke family is in our thoughts & prayers. Sam/Rose Brasili
Ron and Kathy Groover
April 19, 2015
Sheila, Ron and I were so sorry to hear the sad news about John. Please know that we are keeping you and your family in our prayers.
April 19, 2015
Very sorry to hear about the loss of John. I worked with him at T.P.S. and glad to call him "my friend".
It is my hope that your present sadness due to his loss will (with time) be changed to pleasant memories.
Love,
Coach Head and Linda
Christine Adcock
April 19, 2015
I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I worked with him at Brookmeade Elementary, and I have fond memories of him. Praying for his family.
Penny Richardson
April 19, 2015
Bo and I are heartbroken that such a wonderful person is gone from this earth. He will be greatly missed .Penny & Bo Richardson
Joe Giles
April 19, 2015
Thinking of all the Duke family in this sad time. John was a fine man who will be greatly missed.
April 19, 2015
Bobbi and John, I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. How ironic was life that he and I were friends as we started MTSU then I came to know the two of you through music at MTSU then real estate with Harold. God Bless your wonderful family; you are all in our thoughts and prayers. Sheila Simmons Nipper Lee
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