Willie W. Duncan
September 21st, 1932 - October 25th, 2023
Share Book of Memories with a Friend
Please enter the name and email details so that we can send your friend a link to the online tribute. No names or addresses will be collected by using this service.
Willie's Obituary
Willie Duncan, 91, was born in Tangipahoa, Louisiana, on September 21, 1932, to the union of Thomas and Emma Duncan. He departed this life on Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at the Veterans Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana.
In 1953, at the age of 21, he enlisted in the United States Army, from which he received an Honorable Discharge in 1955. After relocating to Benton Harbor, Michigan, he was united in marriage to Reathor Lee, and to this union, three children were born. He soon found employment at Auto Specialties, where he held the title of foreman until his retirement.
Being a devout member of New Mission Baptist Church, Willie's faith played a central role in his life. It was a source of strength and provided a community of fellowship and support. Outside of his service, he had a passion for life and connection. He was a regular at the local pool hall, skillfully playing pool and sharing laughter with friends. Every morning, like clockwork, he would visit McDonald's, not just for the coffee but to cherish moments with his close-knit group of friends, discussing everything under the sun. Fishing was another cherished pastime; many weekends he could be found by a lake or river, rod in hand, embracing the serenity of nature.
Willie is survived by his children: Sheila Duncan, Deborah Duncan-Gibson, and Willie Duncan Jr. He was a proud grandfather to Nataya Duncan, Niesha Etkins (Tosin), Katari Gibson, Brandon Gibson (Candace), Larry Duncan (Latisha), and Anton Duncan (Mattie), and a doting great-grandfather to twelve great-grandchildren. Willie is survived by his sister Nell Hills, and preceded in death by his parents (Thomas and Emma), three brothers (Tom, Henry, James), one sister (Katherine) and his son in law (Larry).
Predeceased by his loving wife, Reathor, together they created a legacy of love, family, and enduring memories that will be cherished by all who knew them. Willie will be remembered not just for his dedication to family but also for his kindness, generosity, and the simple joys he found in life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Services will be held at 11am, Wednesday, November 29, 2023, with visiting hours beginning at 10am, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Interment with military honors will be held privately at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI.
In 1953, at the age of 21, he enlisted in the United States Army, from which he received an Honorable Discharge in 1955. After relocating to Benton Harbor, Michigan, he was united in marriage to Reathor Lee, and to this union, three children were born. He soon found employment at Auto Specialties, where he held the title of foreman until his retirement.
Being a devout member of New Mission Baptist Church, Willie's faith played a central role in his life. It was a source of strength and provided a community of fellowship and support. Outside of his service, he had a passion for life and connection. He was a regular at the local pool hall, skillfully playing pool and sharing laughter with friends. Every morning, like clockwork, he would visit McDonald's, not just for the coffee but to cherish moments with his close-knit group of friends, discussing everything under the sun. Fishing was another cherished pastime; many weekends he could be found by a lake or river, rod in hand, embracing the serenity of nature.
Willie is survived by his children: Sheila Duncan, Deborah Duncan-Gibson, and Willie Duncan Jr. He was a proud grandfather to Nataya Duncan, Niesha Etkins (Tosin), Katari Gibson, Brandon Gibson (Candace), Larry Duncan (Latisha), and Anton Duncan (Mattie), and a doting great-grandfather to twelve great-grandchildren. Willie is survived by his sister Nell Hills, and preceded in death by his parents (Thomas and Emma), three brothers (Tom, Henry, James), one sister (Katherine) and his son in law (Larry).
Predeceased by his loving wife, Reathor, together they created a legacy of love, family, and enduring memories that will be cherished by all who knew them. Willie will be remembered not just for his dedication to family but also for his kindness, generosity, and the simple joys he found in life. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Services will be held at 11am, Wednesday, November 29, 2023, with visiting hours beginning at 10am, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. Interment with military honors will be held privately at Ft. Custer National Cemetery, Augusta, MI.
Service Details
View the current service details below. Sign up for email or text updates to receive notifications of any changes to service schedules or important information.