Charles W. Duckett

Charles Duckett graduated from the former Trevecca Nazarene High School in 1950, where he was treasurer of his senior class. He went on to attend Trevecca Nazarene College (now University).

Charles was a member of the Honor Society and Student Council all four years at Trevecca and was elected to Student Council Secretary for two years before becoming President of the Student Council his senior year. He was, also, elected to Who's Who Among Students in American Colleges and Universities his junior and senior years (1952-1954). His other accomplishments include: Achievement Award in Chemistry, Certificates in General Activities, Attitudes, Sportsmanship, and Leadership, and he was a member of the Speech Club, Music Club, Science Club, Band, Orchestra, and Christian Worker's Association.

Charles earned his bachelor's degree from Trevecca Nazarene College (now University) in 1954, and his master's degree from Peabody College (Vanderbilt University). While attending Peabody, he also taught in the science department of Trevecca for two years. It was during this time that Charles married his college sweetheart, Ruth Johnson, on July 13, 1957.

Charles began his teaching career with Metropolitan Nashville Publish Schools (MNPS) at Andrew Jackson Elementary, and then continued in middle school and high school education at Dupont Junior High, Goodlettsville and Whites Creek High Schools. He retired from teaching in 1993.

Charles was an avid gardener and enjoyed reading, listening to music, and maintaining his extensive family tree on ancestry.com. When he retired from teaching, he volunteered with his wife helping out with anything that needed to be done. After Ruth passed away in 2011, Charles enjoyed socializing with his Sunday School Class and he, also, enjoyed class activities and outings with his Silver Sneakers class at the YMCA.

Charles was a man of faith, a loving and supportive husband and father, and a dedicated teacher. Church and family were the focus of his life, and he was a wonderful Christian example for his family.

Charles became a Christian at age seven and began teaching a Sunday School class of junior boys while in his teens. He served several years as President of the Nazarene Young People's Society, and was active in district youth work. He served on the Official Board and as Sunday School Superintendent of the College Hill Church of the Nazarene. While a member of the Donelson Church of the Nazarene, he sang in the church choir, taught Sunday School, co-directed Children's Church with his wife, Ruth, and he also enjoyed helping Ruth direct Vacation Bible School. The family became members of Nashville Grace Church of the Nazarene in 1981 and Charles enjoyed his involvement as long as his health allowed.

Mr. Duckett is preceded in death by Ruth Johnson Duckett, wife of 57 years; and, son, Philip Cary Duckett.

He is survived by his son, Charles Duckett, Jr. and daughter, Karen (Tommy) Mellette; brother, Cary Neal Duckett; grandchildren Philip Duckett, Ruth Duckett, Zachary Duckett; and one great-grandson, Malachi Duckett.

Visitation will be at Hermitage Funeral Home Tuesday, September 29, 11am until 2pm. Funeral service will follow at 2pm in the chapel. Burial will follow in Hermitage Memorial Gardens. Rev. Jonathan Trees will be officiating. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HermitageFH.com for the Duckett family.