Charles Ray Duke, Jr.

Charles Ray Duke, Jr., age 68, of Benton, Louisiana, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026, after a brief illness. He was born on December 7, 1957, in Santa Monica, California.

Charles was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life was defined by service, generosity, and love. He served the City of Shreveport with honor as a firefighter for 31½ years, beginning his career in 1982 and retiring in 2013 as a Captain with the Shreveport Fire Department. His dedication to protecting and helping others was evident both on and off duty.

One of Charles’s lifelong passions was automotive paint and bodywork, a skill he began learning at the age of 16. Over the years, he owned his own body shop and also worked for several local shops, earning a reputation for craftsmanship, pride in his work, and a willingness to help anyone in need.

Charles had a true servant’s heart. He loved serving at his church, The Simple Church, and was deeply passionate about mission work in Juarez, Mexico. During his mission trips, he painted homes, served meals to migrant children separated from their families, and shared the gospel at an addiction recovery facility; always offering compassion, dignity, and hope to those he served.

He cherished his mornings with his coffee group at the Coffee Depot, rarely missing a day. There, he helped “solve the world’s problems” alongside friends. Charles was the glue that held the group together, making everyone feel welcome and loved, often inviting strangers to join them simply because no one should feel alone.

Above all else, Charles was passionate about his family. He was madly in love with his wife, Denise, often saying they were still on their honeymoon after nearly 22 years together. His children were his greatest blessing and proudest accomplishment, and he spoke of them with deep pride and gratitude.

Charles is survived by his wife, Denise Duke; sons, Thomas Duke and wife, Ashley, and Jacob Duke; daughters, Sarah Hill, Zoey Baskin and husband, Connor; grandchildren, Izabel, Hazel, Ezra, and Parker; his father, Charles Ray Duke, Sr.; brother, Joe Duke and wife, Heather; sister, Alison Lawrence; niece, April Lawrence; former wife, Misti Duke Sanderlin; aunt, Sammie Spratlen; stepfather, Richard Barbera; and stepsiblings, Pat Pawlowicz and husband, Steve, Robert Barbera, Val Barbera, and Gail Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Jo Hooper Barbera.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 12:00 noon, at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive, Bossier City, Louisiana 71111. Officiating the service will be Pastor Justin Haigler and Shreveport Fire Department Chaplain Michael Perser.

Serving as honorary pallbearers will be Bob Dodson, Mark Winkleman, Steve Ford, Dwayne Gates, and Mike Thomas.

Charles Ray Duke, Jr. leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, kindness, and unconditional love. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him, but his impact will live on in the many lives he touched.