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William H. 'Henry' Duke Carrollton, GA QCWA # 27675 |
William Henry Duke, born April 20, 1927, Cedartown, Georgia to John Edward Duke and Hallie Horton Duke. Married to Nellie Dunaway Duke, April 15, 1949. Proceeded in death by his parents, his brother Edward Horton Duke and his grandchildren, Hannah Duke and Ben Jones. Survivors include his children, Gary and Beth, Kenneth, Alan, Michael and Mimi Duke, and daughter Carol Ann Duke. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Jonathan, Jesse and Seth Duke, Jessica Jones-King and Jennifer Jones-Dunbar, Sara Allison Lewis and Emily Ann Duke, and eight great grandchildren.
After serving his country in WWII with the U.S. Army's 88th Division of Combat Engineers in Northern Italy, he returned to Cedartown to complete high school, before going to work with Central of Georgia Railway as a telegraph operator. He was soon promoted to station agent and transportation superintendent, providing service to many towns and industrial sites on the Central of Georgia, and later for Southern and Norfolk Southern Railways, a total of forty years service, retiring as a corporate officer in 1987.
Henry served as a Boy Scout leader at First Methodist Church in Summerville and Carrollton. He also taught amateur radio to many, was even authorized to provide tests for those wanting a license. Since 1960, his call letters were K4ACY. His other hobbies included woodworking, photography and winemaking. He was a Captain of the sailboat Nellie Dee, and enjoyed years of sailing on the Gulf of Mexico, and the Intracoastal Waterway. He was well known and admired for his music, playing the harmonica. He was a participant in numerous programs for railway safety called Operation Lifesaver. For more than 60 years, he has supported his wife's work for improving the status of women and families. He was a compassionate person, loving his many dogs, and all children. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Carroll County Animal Shelter.
Henry served several terms a Commander of American Legion Post 143, as well as other positions, and was involved in support of all things pertaining to veterans and the military especially those who needed his help. He was instrumental in creating the Carroll County Veterans memorial Park, serving on the Board for several years. Even going to the Park every day the first year to raise the flag in the morning, and lowering it, with dignity, every evening. He and his close friends and fellow veterans, Herb Barfield, Joe Dixon and Pat Patrick, started the Post 143 Honor Guard, which provided Honorary Escort, Taps and Flag-folding at military veteran's funerals throughout West Georgia. He received numerous awards for his service.
In accordance with the wishes of Mr. Duke and his family, his remains were cremated. Memorial Service will be held in the sanctuary at First United Methodist Church in Carrollton, on Sunday, June 7th, at 4 p.m., conducted by Rev. Dean Milford and Rev. Gerald Sailors. Full military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post #143. The family will greet guests in the Gathering Room following the service. Martin & Hightower Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.