Lonnie Thomas Duke Jr.

Lonnie Thomas Duke Jr., 80, of Williamsburg, VA, passed away on February 2, 2023 after a brief illness. Tom was born on December 18, 1942 to Lonnie Thomas Duke Sr. and Margaret (Morris) Duke in Durham, NC. His love of the water brought him to the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. There he had a distinguished media career working for Channel 13, Christian Broadcasting Network, and the Virginian-Pilot. Never one to turn down an adventure, Tom enjoyed sports, flew airplanes, and raced cars in his youth. He was an avid sportsman who pursued many hunting, fishing, and backpacking trips with family and friends. Tom and his beloved wife of over 50 years, Beth Pederson Duke, enjoyed an active retirement at Ford's Colony in Williamsburg. Tom was often on the tennis courts, in community planning meetings, or in his woodshop creating art as an accomplished wood turner. Beyond Ford's Colony, Tom was a dedicated volunteer at Historic Jamestowne where he became known for his thoughtful and engaging tours of the cultural heritage site. Tom's tenure at Jamestowne was during the excavation and restoration of the Memorial Church, an experience he treasured and contributed to by using his woodworking skills and knowledge to help build historically accurate church pews that now adorn the restored church. Tom was predeceased by his wife, his parents, and his siblings, Margaret Ann (Duke) Riggs and Robert Duke. Tom was a devoted husband, beloved uncle, faithful friend, and a great teller of stories: a man who honored his word and kept the faith. He will be dearly missed by friends and his loving family in KY, VA, MN, DC, MD, and NC. A memorial service will be held on February 19, 2023 at 2:00pm at Williamsburg Landing. A private family burial will be held in MN later this year. Memorial contributions can be directed to the Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters (Norfolk, VA). Online condolences may be shared at www.nelsenwilliamsburg.com.