Tom graduated cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 1955 and then completed his MD Degree from the University of TN in 1958. While interning at Kings County Hospital in New York City, he watched all Broadway shows that lasted over two weeks. From 1964 until 1998, Tom practiced radiology at Vanderbilt University Hospital and Maury Regional Hospital. While practicing medicine he published several articles in radiology and parliamentary journals, became a Fellow in the American College of Radiology, achieved certification as a black lung reader for 21 years, and served as President of the Maury County Medical Society, the Middle Tennessee Radiology Society, Tennessee Radiology Society, Vanderbilt Radiology Alumni Association, and the Klatte Radiological Society.
Tom’s life interests were a reflection of his loving personality. He was an active member in his church, serving as a deacon for the Graymere Church of Christ in Columbia and, after moving to the Nashville area, writing Sunday school lessons based on Psalm 139:14, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” He was a life master in the American Contract Bridge League, served as a board member of Lipscomb University and Columbia Academy, grew roses competitively, was a board-certified parliamentarian with the American Institute of Parliamentarians, and served as the Vice-President in Education & Outreach at Nashville Opera. In addition, Tom enjoyed going to the family farm in Linden where he stayed connected to his classmates and other members of the Perry County community.
Dr. Duncan tirelessly sought to improve the lives of those around him, constantly giving his time, money, and energies to make that happen. His service, laughter, and joie de vivre will be remembered by many. Tom loved his wife, sons and grandchildren immensely. He never ceased to express his pride in their accomplishments. He was affectionately known as DocDoc to his grandchildren. Tom is survived by his wife of 54 years, Judith Gayle Buchanan Duncan of Brentwood, TN; his sons, Jeffrey (Shani) Duncan of College Grove, TN; Darrell (Heather) Duncan of Brentwood, TN, and Kevin Duncan of Buenos Aires, Argentina; grandchildren, Davis, Jackson, Adele, Hilton, Katie and Chase Duncan; and sister, Alice Duncan Green of Nashville, TN. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard Ray Duncan and Bonnie Laura DePriest Duncan, of Linden, TN.
Honorary Pallbearers are the ‘Breakfast Brothers’ and members of the Closer Walk Sunday School Class. Active Pallbearers are Jeff, Darrell, Kevin, Davis and Jackson Duncan and Bill Alsup.
Visitation will be at the Brentwood Hills Church of Christ, 5120 Franklin Pike, Nashville, TN 37220 on Saturday, July 21, 2018 from 2 to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, 2018 at the Brentwood Hills Church of Christ with entombment to follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park’s Cross Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Duncan Endowment at Columbia Academy, 1101 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401; the Langford-Yates Endowment Fund at Lipscomb University, One University Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37204; or the Nashville Opera, 3622 Redmon Street, Nashville, TN 37209.
