Joseph Wilburn Duke Jr.

Joseph Duke Jr., 69, of Holly Pond, entered into the arms of his Lord and Savior, while surrounded by his family, in the early morning hours on Thursday, April 9, 2020. He was born January 5, 1951, in Columbus, Georgia, to Joseph Sr. and Katherine Janette Dawson Duke.

Mr. Duke was a janitor at West Elementary School for many years. He then worked at Nicholson File until retirement. Referred to as “a jack of all trades” by his family, it appears that Mr. Duke had many talents and skills. He and his wife of more than 51 years loved to visit Amish country, worship their Lord and Savior together at Pan Creek Missionary Baptist church (where he served as a deacon), and loved spending time with their daughters, son-in-laws, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Mr. Duke was a loving husband, father, and grandfather. His family grieves for the man they love but they know he will be spending this Easter with the Savior that he loved so dearly, and this brings joy to them in the midst of their heartache.

Joseph is preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Diane Barnett.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Price Duke; daughters, Tammy Kritner and her husband, Gary, Jennifer White and her husband, Brett; brothers, Donald Duke and his wife Elaine, William Duke; grandchildren, Cody Kritner and his wife Kari, Isaac Kritner and his wife Kacie, Tarrant White, Lexi White; great-grandchildren, Paxton Kritner, Waylon Kritner; and a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.

The family will say their goodbyes to Joseph on Friday, April 10, 2020, at 1 p.m., Holly Pond Cemetery. All guests are asked to remain in their vehicles for the duration of the services due to the COVID-19 restrictions. We ask that you please obey the order set in place by Governor Ivey in order that the family may comply with the 10 person restriction in place. They family welcomes guests, but ask that you please follow the order for your safety as well as theirs.

Holly Pond Funeral Home is honored to serve the Duke family.