In the summer of 1952, Robert accepted Christ as his Savior and was baptized. becoming a member of Enon Baptist Church in Cullman County. He later became a founding member of Westside Baptist Church in Eva, Alabama
Robert graduated from Eva High School in 1956. On April 8, 1958, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Navy and completed basic training at the Naval Training Center in San Diego, California. He trained as a Hospital Corpsman and later specialized as an Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat (EENT) surgical technician at Balboa Naval Hospital. While stationed in San Diego, he married Geraldene Haynie in 1960 at First Baptist Church. He later transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps as a field medical technician at Camp Pendleton.
After returning to Cullman County, Robert began a career with Chemstrand Corporation as a chemical laboratory technician. While working full-time, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry from Athens College in 1976. After 31 years of service, he retired in September 1993 as an Environmental Specialist.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Geraldene Haynie Duke; daughter, Kimberly Duke McDaniel (Bob); son, Gregory Robert Duke (Terry); sister, Sherry Ann Duke Crutchfield (Gene); grandchildren, Emily Duke Jennings(Chris), Hannah Duke Carpenter(Billy), Noah Duke, Lauren McDaniel Bledsoe(Trenton) and Megan McDaniel Dugins(Brayden); and great-grandchildren, Emma Grace Jennings, Eleanor Christine Jennings, Cohen Grady Dugins and James Robert Bledsoe.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie A. and Doris Moses Duke, and his parents-in-law, John and Barbara Haynie.
Visitation will be held at Westside Baptist Church, 4250 Hwy 55 W, Eva, AL 35621, on August 2, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A Celebration of Life Funeral Service will follow. Dr. Kenny Mullins, Rev Gary Peebles, and Rev Jesse Nunn officiating.
The Graveside committal Service will be held at Union Hill Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery, Falkville, AL 35622, on August 2, 2026, at 3:30 pm.
Pallbearers will be Billy Carpenter, Chris Jennings, Fred Yarbrough, Kevin Borden, Jason Smith, and Ray Lindsey.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you donate to Westside Baptist Church, Eva, Alabama Building Fund…. 4250 Hwy 55 E, Eva, AL 35621…. Moss Service Funeral Home is directing.
