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HARVEY DUKE Obituary

DUKE Rev. Dr. Harvey Lee Duke passed away May 11, 2011 at the age of 79 in Rex Hospital in Raleigh, NC. He will be remembered as a devoted soldier, pastor, husband and father who left an extraordinary legacy behind in all four areas. Dr. Duke was born to John Elmer Duke and Mary Lucille Regan in Orlando, FL. He grew up in Jacksonville, FL and graduated from Jacksonville's Robert E. Lee High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree from Stetson University as well as a Bachelor of Divinity, Master of Theology, Master of Divinity, and Doctor of Ministry from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was also a Teaching Fellow at Southeastern Seminary. Dr. Duke served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict until he was honorably discharged. While serving in the military, he felt called into full-time ministry and served as a Navy Reserve Chaplain until he retired at the rank of Captain. He was ordained into the ministry by Woodlawn Baptist Church in Jacksonville, FL. In 1951, while on active duty, Harvey Duke married June Claire Stewart of Jacksonville, FL. This August would have marked their sixtieth anniversary. Dr. Duke is survived by his wife, as well as two sons, David and Mark, and their wives, Paula, and Becky, of Cary, NC and Peachtree City, GA, respectively. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren, Meredith (husband, Josh), Christopher (wife, Lisa), Jessica, Andrew, William, Abigail, and Maddie. He also leaves behind three great grandchildren Gracie and Emma Bragg and Payton Duke. Dr. Duke is also survived by one sister, Betty Gordon, of Jacksonville, FL. Dr. Duke served the following churches over his sixty years of ministry: Palm Bay Baptist Church of Palm Bay, FL; Union Baptist Church, of O'Brien, FL; Central Baptist Church, of Leesburg, FL; Shiloh Baptist Church, of Garner, NC; Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, of Willow Springs, NC; St. Johns Park Baptist Church, of Jacksonville, FL; and First Baptist Church of Cary, NC. Dr. Duke served at First Baptist Church of Cary, NC from 1969-1996. As the church grew, he developed family life ministries, senior adult ministries and youth programs because he saw a need and had a heart for everyone to get the care they needed. His memorable Pastor's Pals program for children aged 8-12 touched and influenced many children of Cary over the years. He also supported the start of the Korean Church that met at First Baptist and later moved to Raleigh. After he retired from First Baptist he was endowed with the church's first ever title of Pastor Emeritus. Dr. Duke was extremely well-known and active in the Cary community. He was a member and former president of the Cary Central Rotary Club, and a Paul Harris Fellow. Reverend Doctor Harvey Lee Duke will be deeply missed by the citizens of Cary, the church community, and his devoted family. Maddie Duke (age 11) says, Papa was very funny, loved everybody, and he loved to play checkers with us too. The funeral will be held Sunday, May 15, 2011 at the First Baptist Church of Cary, NC at 3 pm. Immediately following the service a receiving and reception will be held in the fellowship hall. The graveside service will be held Monday, May 16, 2011 at Raleigh Memorial Park at 11 am. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to The Gideons International, P.O. Box 1512, Cary, NC 27512, or www.gideons.org. Arrangements by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Cary Please Sign the Guestbook @ Jacksonville.com

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Published by Florida Times-Union on May 15, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for HARVEY DUKE

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Mike

September 19, 2011

My family and I loved Pastor Duke. We went to 1St baptist, Cary and he was our pastor. He, his sons and I hiked on the Appalachian Trail together. We found Mt. Leconte, in the snow, on one of those hikes, and spent the night there. Pizza after church on Sunday nights with Harvey and his family was always lots of fun. Harvey became our daughter Holly's granddaddy. We had many good times. We will miss him. Love, Mike & Carolyn Sosebee.

Jennifer Strickland Sipe

May 29, 2011

First, thank you Mrs. Duke for calling me and letting me know of Rev. Duke's death. I was a neighbor of Rev. and Mrs. Duke and their family. I would spend countless hours in their backyard talking to them. I loved and still cherish those times. Rev. Duke and Mrs. Duke have been second parents to me. They were there when both my parents died and continue to share in my life. Rev. Duke was a very compassionate and caring person. He was always wherever he was needed. He placed a thumbprint on my heart that will never be erased. God does have a angel with him. May peace be with Mrs. Duke, David and Mark and their families. Love Always,

Ann Ennis Mann

May 23, 2011

Rev.Duke and his wife blessed not only First Baptist of Cary but to the entire community. I myself and our family were blessed to be friends of Rev.Duke and June. My deepest sympathies to June and all of their family.

Barbea Bowlin Tripp

May 17, 2011

Dr. Duke was a very special mentor in my life. He sat with me and my Dad and talked to me about becoming a Christian. He baptized me when I was 7 years old on Easter Sunday, April 10, 1975. I always loved being a part of Pastor's Pals. I always wanted to win the free trip to Carowinds and I remember Mom would whisper to me during the sermon to write neatly and pay good attention. I also remember the outings we had at his and Mrs. Duke's house...playing water balloon games, having 3 legged races and eating hotdogs. My Mom died in 2007 and I know that as soon as Dr. Duke passed away, Mom was waiting for him with a big hug! But mainly, he is also able to finally see the face of Jesus! What a glorious reunion we will have one day!
Much love,

Barbara Long Moore

May 17, 2011

Dr. Duke was the pastor at St. Johns Park during my elementary years, and I have always felt so blessed to have grown up there under his pastorship. God bless your family during this trying time, but I know you draw great comfort from knowing he's in heaven, where there is no pain or tears.

Jackie Stockton

May 15, 2011

Pastor Duke & June were such a blessing to my Daddy when he was living and to my Mother who is still living in Cary. Our prayers are with you June and your entire family.

Jackie Williams Stockton & Family

May 15, 2011

David-- Was very sorry to learn of your father's passing. from his obituary he really let a great and meaningful life.
My thoughts are with you.

Senator Don Vaughan
Greensboro

Kathy Reynolds

May 15, 2011

Dr. Duke came to First Baptist Church of Cary the year after I graduated from high school, so I didn't grow up with him but rather came to love him as a young adult. When Bob and I were married in 1974, Dr. Duke was the natural first choice to preside at our wedding at First Baptist on August 31st. He and Bob had the Navy in common, and we shared some wonderful times and stories. He conducted the funerals for my dear mother and grandmother in 1991, and it was so comforting to have him there. I pray that he wasn't sick for long and didn't suffer prior to his death. He will always hold a very special place in our hearts. Our deepest sympathy to Mrs. Duke and the entire family. Love, Kathy (Jordan) and Bob Reynolds, Sacramento, CA

May 15, 2011

REV DUKE MEANT ALOT TO OUR FAMILY. WE SEND OUR SINCEREST SYMPATHIES TO YOUR WHOLE FAMILY DURING THIS TIME. WHAT A WONDERFUL LEGACY HE LEAVES BEHIND TO ALL THOSE WHO KNEW HIM. HE WILL TRULY BE MISSED HERE ON EARTH, BUT WHAT A PARTY IN HEAVEN!!!!!...MARK, CHARLES AND I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR CHILDHOOD MEMORIES OF "RUNNING THE STREETS, ON OUR BIKES" WITH YOU. WE HAD ALOT OF FUN AT CHURCH AND JUST PLAYING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD. WE WILL HOLD YOUR HOLD FAMILY UP IN PRAYER....MARTHA ANN (REYES) JOHNS, JACKSONVILLE, FL

May 15, 2011

May God comfort you all at this time.
Harvey & I were friends in Lee High School and he was a fine man. We also played in the band together. He is now with his Heavenly Father, even though he will be missed by his family & many friends.Shirley Roberts Snedeker

April Ramdass

May 15, 2011

I remember doing the Pastors Pals with Dr Duke, which I think was a hidden agenda to take mental pictures of all the kids in the congragation, then he would use that knowledge to strategically glance at you the precise moment that you were acting up during service, or maybe that was just me. He made even the littlest of attendee feel like they were valued. I remember him coming to our house after my dad died. I wasn't cast aside because of my young age, he included me in the coversation & asked me my opinion. He's done a lot for the kingsom of God and now he'll hear the words we all long to hear. "Well done good and faithful servant"

Dana Lipp Peele

May 14, 2011

I vividly remember how "uncle Duke" lead me to Jesus Christ at the tender age of 8. He was a powerful Christian man who had a profound impact on the community and the many lives he touched. May heaven welcome him with open arms as he sits on the right hand of God the father almighty.

Kim Hudson

May 14, 2011

Dr. Duke was my childhood pastor. He baptized me, married my husband and I and dedicated my first child. He was indeed a great man of God. I will always remember being part of "pastors pals" and the jelly beans he kept in his office.

Trisha Godwin

May 14, 2011

Dr. Duke will be greatly missed. He was such a wonderful man and pastor. I have always thought the world of the Dukes. I remember him as a kind, warm man with a good sense of humor and a quick smile. He was truly a man of God with a down to earth, loving manner. Thinking of you and rememberin you in my prayers, Mrs. Duke, David, Mark and your families.

Billy Dennis

May 14, 2011

I loved Dr. Duke and appreciated his encouragement and friendship.

Jim Bannister

May 13, 2011

Dr. Duke was such a great friend to my family over the years. He even went against his doctors order to stand up and say a few works in September at moms funeral. Harvey say hello to mom in heaven and rest in pease.
JIM BANNISTER

May 13, 2011

Only God knows how much Dr. Duke has meant to our family through the years, especially to our son "MARTY". Dr. Duke and Mrs Duke were always there for us , any time, any where. Just remember "In Heaven there is one angel more!" May God bless each of you....Wiith sincere love , Ben and Shelby Martin

May 13, 2011

Only God knows how much Dr. Duke has meant to our family thru the years and especially to our son Marty. He and Mrs Duke were always there for us ..anytime, any place. Our sincere love and prayers are with "June" and all the family. Just remember.."In Heaven there is one angel more!": God bless each of you always. Much love, Ben and Shelby Martin

May 13, 2011

This dear man was the pastor @ First Baptist Church, Cary who baptized me & married myself & husband, Gary. We will never forget Dr. Duke saying that he "put marriages together to stick" & we are about to celebrate our 32nd wedding anniversary. He will be greatly missed, but has been greatly welcomed in Heaven.

God's Blessings,

Denise Williams Harris & family

Teresa Padgett Allen

May 13, 2011

Dear Mark and family, I am so sorry to hear of Rev. Duke's passing. I have such wonderful memories of him while I was growing up. He will be missed by so many for he touched the lives of so many. Your family will be in our prayers. God Bless and Be With You.

Stephen Fourie

May 13, 2011

Harvey was a good man who was instrumental in my coming to know Jesus Christ as my personal lord and saviour. I am grateful for that gift everyday of my life. I will always remember him fondly. My sypmathies are extended to the entire family.

Johnny Ross

May 12, 2011

June, David, Mark and Families,

Rhea and I were saddened to learn of Harvey's death late yesterday afternoon. We have many wonderful memories of our relationship since our move to Cary in the fall of 1979. We will cherish those memories! Please be assured of our love and prayers for all of you during this time of mourning. May the Heavenly Father embrace all of you in His loving arms to bring comfort, encouragement and strength as you cope now with the pain of loss.

Johnny & Rhea Ross

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