Avery Lewis Duckworth

Avery “Lewis” Duckworth, age 86, of Drexel, died Friday, May 11, 2012 following a period of declining health. Born in Burke County on December 18, 1925, Lewis was the son of the late Avery Hannon Duckworth and Grace Stamey Duckworth Patton. Lewis was the former owner of L & M produce in Valdese.

Along with his parents, Lewis is preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Ruth Alice Clark Duckworth, three sisters and three brothers.

Surviving are his wife, Mildred Jordan Duckworth of Morganton; two sons, David Duckworth of Hanover, PA and Michael Duckworth of Drexel; three daughters, Patricia Fisher of Myrtle Beach, SC, Ann McElory of Pasadena, MD and Debbie Setzer of Drexel; a sister; and three brothers, all of North Carolina. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, May 14, 2012 at Catawba Valley Baptist Church with Rev. Leroy Michaels officiating. Interment will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at Kirksey Funeral Home.

Kirksey Funeral Home of Morganton has the honor of serving the Duckworth family.