Big Jerry Willie Duncan Sr.

Duncan, Jerry Willie went to be with the Lord Monday, April 14, 2025, at his home of more than 65 years in Palm Harbor, surrounded by his loving family. Jerry was born on October 18, 1953, in the town of Fairfax, SC but most of his life was spent in the Palm Harbor area on the property which first belonged to his parents but then later the south half became Jerry's and his wife Celeta's property. He attended Ozona Elementary, Palm Harbor Junior High, and Tarpon Springs High School, but ultimately graduated from Dunedin High School in which he had transferred to his senior year to pursue his baseball dream under the coaching there. His playing career would take a turn for the worst due to an injury and he never made it to the college or professional career that he had dreamed of. Although troubled that his career did not turn out as planned, he continued to be involved with coaching and later umpiring baseball for many years and eventually was elevated to the position of Head Umpire for District 12. It goes without saying that his love for the sport of baseball which began as a boy at Dunedin National Little League lasted until his final breath. As well it's safe to say that Big Jerry was very loved as a coach and umpire, with all the former players doing their best to impersonate his bellowing calls at the plate everytime they would see him. Jerry was also a lifelong mechanic beginning his career under his Father, Robert at Clearwater Concrete and finishing his career working for Pinellas County Fleet Management as their head hydraulic mechanic where he had many years of faithful service. Jerry and his family are charter members of Berea Baptist Church in Palm Harbor and when asked he would tell you he attended his first Vacation Bible School before he was born. He even saved the paperwork to prove it. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Lois Duncan and his brother Joey Duncan. He is survived by his wife and friend of 46 years Celeta C. Duncan of Palm Harbor, Florida; sons and daughter-in-laws Jerry and Shyathia Duncan of Jesup, Georgia; Mark and Christine Duncan of Oldsmar, Florida; Michael Adams of Holiday, Florida; sister and brother-in-law Laynette and Roy Ferguson of Palm Bay, Florida; brother and sister-in-law Lacy and Eloise Duncan of Ludowici, Georgia; 8 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews and extended family also survive. Visitation will begin at 10:30 a.m. Friday April 25, 2025, at Berea Baptist Church, 370 US-19 ALT South, Palm Harbor, FL 34683. Funeral services to be held following visitation at 11:30 followed by the procession to graveside located at the Curlew Pioneer Cemetery. The family welcomes all who Jerry touched during his time on this side of Heaven and asks that if you prefer a donation to flowers, donations can be made to Berea Baptist Church or the Greater Dunedin Little League.