John Lee Duke

Mr. John Lee Duke, beloved husband, father, granddad and brother, passed away Sunday, July 25, 2021.  A resident of Jasper, Georgia for 26 years, Mr. Duke, age 83, passed away surrounded by his loved ones.

Mr. Duke was born in Aragon, Georgia to the late Green William Duke and Inez Woodrow Tabor Duke.  He was preceded in death by his brother, James Duke, and two sisters, Elaine Duke Trammell and Doris Duke Keith.  John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Diane Land Duke, son John Lee Duke Jr. (Julia) of Smyrna, Georgia; daughter Kathy Ward (Steve) of Acworth, Georgia, brother Ralph Duke of Rome, Georgia and five adored grandchildren: Abby Duke, Ally Ward, Mary Catherine Duke, Evan Ward and Audrey Ward.  He is also survived by many beloved nieces and nephews.

Mr. Duke lived most of his early life in Floyd County in the mill village of Shannon, Georgia.  Growing up there he was active in Boy Scouts and played football for the Model High School Blue Devils.  After graduation, he served his country for four years in the United States Navy. Three of those years were spent aboard the USS Eaton DDE-510, a destroyer.  While on board he earned the rank of Radarman 2nd Class.  He was honorably discharged in 1960.  After returning home John worked in the mill industry and continued his education studying electronics.

Mr. Duke moved to Cobb County Georgia in 1965 when he began working for the Lockheed Martin Corporation.  He also worked in sales for several major companies including Sweda Cash Register and Prudential Insurance Company.  In 1975 John began working in the Recreational Vehicle Industry.  He continued in that industry for over 40 years.  He retired from Three Way Campers in 2016 after 25 years of employment.

Mr. Duke was a man of faith, who loved listening to bible teachings and studying scriptures.  His love of God and steady example had a profound influence on his two children. He was a kind, quiet, gentle man but also the strong beloved rock of his family.  An avid fisherman, John spent hours on the lakes trying to catch the big ones.  He was a skilled woodworker and made many beautiful pieces of furniture for his family. John also loved country music, particularly western swing.  He was an expert of music trivia who could tell you the details behind any artist, band or song.

The service for John Lee Duke will be held on Saturday, July 31, at the funeral home chapel.  The family will receive friends from 12:00-2:00 and the service will begin at 2:00 pm.  DAV Chapter 47 will conduct military honors.  Mr. Duke will be interred in the Georgia National Cemetery in Canton, Georgia. The final arrangements are being handled by In Their Honor Funeral Home of Jasper, Georgia. 706-253-5060