Born in Jefferson, Gary was the son of Nay Duke and Louise Hale Duke. A graduate of Jefferson High School, he was an accomplished athlete receiving numerous awards playing football, baseball, basketball and running track. Gary retired after 30 years with AT&T. In retirement, he loved spending time with his family, fishing and woodworking.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by a brother, Hale Duke.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Rita Archer Duke; daughters: Dee Dee Duke Ebert (Jay) of Fairhope, AL and Betsy Duke Murphy (Dan) of Atlanta; brother, Brian Duke (Jama) of Gainesville; sister-in-law, Becky Archer Harris (Rick) of Athens; grandchildren: Lauren Murphy Nardi (Michael), Lindsey Murphy Schulz (Kevin) and Drew Ebert; great-grandchild, Camden Murphy Schulz; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 18, at 2:00 p.m., in the Evergreen Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum, with Rev. Dave Smith officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, donate.cancer.org
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
