Thomas Duncan

Thomas Ray Duncan, 78, of Portland, Texas, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025. Thomas was born on January 13, 1947, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Thomas Eliga Duncan (Lige) and Alice Obera Duncan (Bea). Known to his family as Sonny, he grew up in the Coastal Bend and graduated from Gregory-Portland High School in 1965. During his four years in high school, Tom was an active member of the band, playing the baritone. It was through band that he met the love of his life, Sharon Nix, when she checked out his band uniform during her freshman year.

Thomas attended the University of Corpus Christi and worked as a plumber at Delta Plumbing, the family business owned by his older brothers, while attending college. In 1968, Tom married Sharon Nix, beginning a devoted marriage that spanned more than five decades. Together, they welcomed their son, Robert, in 1975.

In 1974, Thomas began a distinguished 31-year career with DuPont. He served as a safety director and worked on special projects that took him across the country addressing issues related to the loading and unloading of rail cars and ships. His career also led Thomas and his family to Niagara Falls, New York, where they spent four years at the DuPont Niagara plant. Tom retired from DuPont after more than three decades of dedicated service and enjoyed a 20-year active retirement filled with travel, service, and time with family and friends.

Service to others was central to Tom’s life. He proudly served as a volunteer firefighter in Portland, Texas, for 18 years, was a Little League coach, and served as an elder at First Christian Church in Portland. After returning to the Coastal Bend, Tom faithfully served First Presbyterian Church as head usher, elder, trustee, and choir member.

Tom valued routine, friendship, and community. He met many mornings for coffee at Whataburger with a close-knit group of friends from Portland, a tradition he cherished. He was also part of a Wednesday lunch group with fellow church members who proudly called themselves the ROMEOs. Tom’s quick wit, strong opinions, and mischievous sense of humor often made him the instigator of lively debates—conversations that friends and family came to cherish.

Tom and Sharon explored much of the United States and the world together. Some of their favorite destinations included Croatia, Hawaii, Alaska, Santorini, New Mexico, and anywhere in the mountains. Tom was a passionate ballroom dancer and treasured the friendships formed through group trailer trips with the Hulseys, Browns, and Snyders—adventures that sometimes lasted weeks and spanned the country. He also loved coastal fishing and could often be found enjoying time on the water.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Eliga Duncan (Lige) and Alice Obera Duncan (Bea); his brothers, Marvin Duncan and Carl Duncan; and his sisters, Ruth Garner and Dorothy Duncan.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Sharon Duncan; his son, Robert Duncan, and daughter-in-law, Tiffany Duncan; his cherished granddaughters, Madison Duncan and Paige Duncan; numerous nieces and nephews; and his loyal cat, Charlie.

Thomas—Tom to his friends and Sonny to his family—will be remembered for his devotion to family, faith, service, and friendship, and for a life well lived with integrity, kindness, and adventure.

Memorial Service

Services will be held on January 2 at 9:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Corpus Christi, 430 S. Carancahua St., Corpus Christi, Texas 78401. A reception will follow the service.

Service will be live streamed for those unable to attend.

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Burial

Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at The Palms Memorial Gardens, 4335 County Road 3567, Portland, Texas 78374.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to First Presbyterian Church of Corpus Christi, Tx.

Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of the professionals at Winsteads’ Funeral Home. (361) 643-6564 www.winsteadsfuneralhome.com