Billy Joe Duke, 80, passed away on May 25, 2024, peacefully at the family home in Hope, surrounded by his loved ones. He was born on September 24, 1943, in Hope, Arkansas, to the late Harold and Joyce (Garrett) Duke. Joe was preceded in death by his brothers Jesse, Gerald, Bruce, Winston, and Johnny Duke; his sisters Peggy Burson and Cornelia Duke; and his children Debra and Russell Duke.
Joe wore many hats throughout his long and adventurous life as a beloved husband, father, pastor, coach, and entrepreneur. He was an outstanding athlete, particularly on the football field. At the young age of eighteen, he turned down numerous football scholarships, choosing instead to travel to California to work alongside his brother Gerald and attend seminary, where he completed his Bachelor's degree in Theology. Joe served as the pastor of South Gate Missionary Baptist Church for many years while starting a family. Later, he ran a successful food truck business and worked at McDonnell Douglas during the development of the C-17 Globemaster aircraft before returning to Hope in 2003 to help care for his mother and be surrounded by his family. Joe worked with his childhood friend John Wilson at Wilson Furniture in Hope for the remainder of his career. No one was a stranger to Joe; he could easily strike up a conversation with anyone who entered the store and always made them feel welcome. Joe loved his hometown and all the people in it, and it showed.
Above all, Joe was a servant of the Lord. There was rarely a conversation he had that did not mention his faith. He never missed an opportunity to share the story of salvation with those around him. Joe was a special person in many people’s lives and will be greatly missed.
Those left to cherish Joe's memory include his wife, Adelfa Duke; his children, Thomas Duke, Daniel Duke, Joyce Duenas, Mary Hooper, Linda Escobar, and Saul Hernandez; his twelve grandchildren, Bud Sadler Jr, Kathryn Rasar, Russell Duke Jr, Faith Duke, Joseph Duke, Emily Duke, Adam Duenas, Kaylee Duenas, Annah Duenas, Kynslee Duenas, Trey Jackson, and Marianna Jackson; and his five great-grandchildren, Sage Sadler, Bud Sadler IV, Aubree Sadler, Cash Rasar, and Kayden Rasar.
Funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at Brazzel-Oakcrest Funeral Home, 1001 S Main St, Hope 71801. Join us at 10:00 am for visitation and the memorial service at 11:00 am.
Joe will be laid to rest following the service at Rose Hill Cemetery alongside his brother Gerald.
Reception to follow at Landmark Baptist Church, 412 Bill Clinton Dr, Hope 71801.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of BRAZZEL Oakcrest The Funeral Home of Hope. Online condolences can be made at www.brazzelfuneralhomes.com