Philip David Duncan

He is also preceded by his sisters Loreen Tyree and Lila Elhawa and daughter Cynthia Harko.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Vinnie Karriker Duncan, son, Matthew Duncan (Katie) of Linwood; daughter – Lena Duncan Hitt, Seven Points, TX; Step-son, Scott Duncan, Gun Barrel City, TX.

Also surviving him are his step-daughters Caroline Arthur (Aaron) (Lillington) and Jessica Kiser (Castle Hayne). Also surviving are his grandchildren Brandon Duncan, Kristin Harko, Bryce Duncan, Wade Duncan, Hannah Arthur and Nathan Arthur and a great-grandson, Kadon Duncan, as well as sister Alice Williams of Whiteville and many nieces and nephews, whom he loved dearly.

Philip was raised on a tobacco farm in Columbus County. He was baptized at age 12 in Lake Waccamaw as a member of Antioch Baptist Church, Whiteville. At age 17, he joined the US Navy. Philip attended the Navy Weather Schools at Lakehurst, New Jersey and became an Aerographer (meteorologist). His Navy career spanned 20 years on 7 ships and included 3 tours with Operation Deep Freeze, Antarctica from 1956-1959. While stationed in Guam (1967-1970) at the Primary Pacific Fleet Strike Weather Unit, Philip was Leading Chief with Special Weather Intelligence.

He retired from the US Navy in October 1973 and returned to the family farm in Columbus County. He was a member of Corriher and the NC Grange and served as a deputy and held state officer positions for many years. In March 1986, Philip was employed by the National Weather Service, headquartered in Raleigh, as a Meteorological Technician, where he prepared weather forecasts for the region. He retired from the Weather Service in March 1999 as the Cooperative Program Manager.

Following his retirement, Philip spent time on the farms in Columbus and Rowan counties and traveling to Naval Weather Service Reunions and Grange functions across the country. He loved the land, was meticulous with “weeding” his garden and enjoyed splitting wood. Philip introduced many folks to one of the American native fruits – pawpaws. Philip was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church, China Grove, where he is remembered by all with his friendly smile and handshake.

The funeral service with military honors will be held at Concordia Lutheran Church on Sunday, August 4, 2024 at 2 pm in the sanctuary. The family will receive friends in the Fellowship Hall following the service. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Whiteville.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Concordia Lutheran Church, 185 Concordia Church Road, China Grove, NC 28023

Words of comfort may be shared at www.linn-honeycutt.com.

Linn-Honeycutt Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Duncan family.