Kenneth Arnold Duke

Kenneth Arnold Duke, 82 of Apex, passed away on September 8, 2026. Kenneth was born on March 1, 1944, in Wake County, NC to the late Wallace Wayne Duke and Elizabeth Leona Baker. His first years were growing up on Bynum Hill riding his wagon that his Grandaddy Baker bought for him. Later on, after a couple of jobs he decided to join the Army National Guard. Eventually after almost 40 years he retired from IBM. Retirement was in name only. He was never without something that had to be done. His greatest enjoyment was helping people we knew and some we did not know. He would not leave anyone sitting beside the road with a broken- down car. He could fix anything and he could build anything.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by our son Dwayne Duke, his stepfather, Harold Riggsbee, his brothers, Tony Duke and Steve Riggsbee, and his sister, Vickie Riggsbee.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 59 years, Dianne Duke; daughter, Vanice Duke and grandson Dane Taylor which always called his grandpa “Fat Cat.” He is also remembered by his brother, Randy Riggsbee.

He will be laid to rest on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at 10:00 AM at Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery, Cary, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to PreBorn.

We have so many memories that we hope as we get older we do not forget them. How he always wanted to help people, how he loved BoJangles chicken, how he loved old cars, Gunsmoke movies, how he did not miss a Dale Earnhardt Sr. race. Loved the beach and the mountains. How he just liked to get in the car and have nowhere in particular to go and end up somewhere that satisfied him. Kenneth Duke will not be forgotten!