It was an honor to know you and to work for you at American Aviation.when it came to an end , I hated to leave.will never forget the people who impacted my life,and you were one of them.thanks, Bill Grace

Willard was a wonderful man. We all loved him and will always remember him. I'm sure he's up in the sky flying his Stearman.

All though I met you at the end of your journey I learned a lot from the words you never spoke...you were a kind and gental spirit who did whatever you could to make life great for those around you....the way you would reach out to me every time I entered your room showed me just how much you appreciated everything I did for you and I will forever be grateful you left me with Ms Sherrell & Patty....I know you will be missed but I'm happy you're at peace

It was my privilege to know you and call you my friend, Will.  I will never forget you.

Your Betty Lou Thelma Liz

It has been such a privilege and a blessing to be part of Will's life for close to 24 years.  He was always so complimentary and romantic and never missed a day of saying I love you! Life with him was always exciting and fun and filled with laughter!! It is very difficult going on without him next to me but I know he is still reuniting with all of his friends and family and flying buddies in heaven.  I'm certain he has already organized a formation flying team and they are buzzing everyone!!  It always amazed him how easily he would meet and bond with people immediately.  He had an insatiable curiosity about life and people and places and had a million stories to tell. He had so much passion about life and truly enjoyed all the beauty God placed before him to see.  A good friend of his once told me that what he remembered about Will was how friendly and sincere he was. Once he went with him to a national fly-in where there had to be at least 2500 people or more on any given day and he swore that either everyone knew Will or he knew them because it would take them hours just to cross the airfield for everyone stopping him to shake his hand and talk. He was a generous man who was willing to help anyone especially young people starting out in life.  If he couldn't personally give them help, he would know who to put them in touch with to get help. He drank fully of life and loved every minute of it.  I will never know a love as sincere and as great as Will's because I truly believe there can only be one like this in a lifetime and I was the fortunate recipient.  I have wonderful memories that will always be with me and we will one day meet again in our Father's house.

to patty and her family. when i heard the news about your dad's passing,i broke down in tears.patty i hope that we can get together soon so we can talk about the memories about your dad. he was such a wonderful man and he will be missed. he's up in heaven with my mawmaw and pawpaw talking about the old times. talk to you soon. with deepest sympathy,erin shean.

My deepest sympathy to Willard's family. He was one of those special boys in our South Park HS  Class of '56. It was always fun to reconnect at our reunions..he was so full of stories and charm.  Truly a wonderful Southern Gentleman. I know you all must have great memories to comfort the family in years to come. God Bless each of you.

Pawpaw , I love you so much. These past couple months have been hard on everyone seeing you sick like you were. But now we know you are in a beautiful place flying with the angels. A couple weeks ago was my 16th birthday and like every year you and sherrell called and sung happy birthday to me. I will never forget that phone call, even though you were sick you sang to me like every year. We miss you so much. I can't wait till the day I can see you again. I love you pawpaw.

God broke our hearts to prove to us He only takes the best. It takes a while to realize our big brother is gone from our lives...gone but never forgotten! He had such a caring, loving & vibrant personality, everyone who knew him loved him. He will forever live on in our hearts! With love from "Baby Sister"

My sweet Daddy.  Words could never express what a wonderful father and friend you have been.  You were always quietly there behind me.  It's difficult for me to imagine a world without you in it.  I was so fortunate to have a Dad like you.  I thought everybody's father flew Stearmans, traveled to far off places and told them they were the most beautiful girl in the world.  As I grew older and experienced more of the world I began to appreciate your uniqueness more and more.  I love you.  I miss you.  My world will never be the same without you.  I will wait for the day when I can put my arms around you.

Sherrell, I am so sorry for your loss.....I fully intended to make the funeral but got called to work out of town.....
I hope you are doing well and hope to be able to see you soon.....Pam and I spoke of all of us getting together so I hope to see you soon....

Love you girl................Patricia Blanchard

Sherrell, So sorry to hear of your great loss.  Know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.  May Gods love and wonderful memories bring you peace and comfort in the days and weeks ahead.We are here if you need us  God Bless.   Danny & Patti

 I am sorry to hear about Willard's passing.
He will be missed and I will think of him often.
Jim Ratliff, Stearman 130
Conyers, Ga.

Willard was such a fun person to be around.  He loved life and he deeply loved his family.  He always wanted to make sure that everyone was having a good time.  I have fond memories of when we used to pick Sherrell and him up and they would travel to high school football games with us.  My father-in-law, Irby Jr.,  loved Willard and Willard and loved him.  It was a blessing to share in their bond as cousins.  He will be missed by so many.  I pray that God will wrap his loving arms around all of you and comfort you as only he can.
~Keli Perkins~

 Oh so sorry to hear Willard has passed. So sorry for the families loss. He was a very nice person, always enjoyed his company. God bless all.

So very sorry for your loss.  Sending prayers of comfort to all of the family during this difficult time.
Cathy Webster, Magnolia

Willard Duke, Gone West! Your Stearman friends will miss you. But Jim Leahy and many others are happy to see you. A long ago friend, Bob Harrison (formerly of Galesburg, IL)

"Those we love can never be more than a thought away... for as long as there's a memory, they live in our hearts to stay."  I am not sure who originally said this but you have given us many wonderful memories to hold in our hearts and we are better people because of knowing you. We love and miss you very much!

We'll always remember Willard waving his "tail" as he departed Jennings each year. . .Rest is peace out West, Willard.  We will miss you SO very much.  Our prayers are with all of the family.  Jennings won't be the same.  Love, Rob, Cheryl, Evan & Ryan Pate (Stearman #22)

So sorry for your great loss.  Know that all are in our prayers and that God will send His Peace to all

Sending my love!   Will was a wonderful man, and he will truly be missed!!!

Deepest Sympathy to the Hillebrandt Family. Lou and Ikey and all the family my prayers are with you.

Sending my love and condolences to the Hillebrandt family. Thoughts and prayers for the days ahead.

So sorry to hear of the passing of this great man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. Mr. Willard will truly be missed.

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Willard Ray Duke

22 septembre 1937 – 28 mai 2013

Hixson Welsh

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