Robert Landon Duke Jr

MCPO USN Ret. Robert L. Duke Jr., age 65 yrs of Levelland, TX and Florence, SC set sail on his journey into the sunset on Friday, Nov. 19th, 2010 at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. Robert, also known as R.L (Bob) was born in San Antonio, TX on Feb. 2nd, 1945 to Robert L. Duke Sr. and Marie Cecelia Duke. R.L. spent his early childhood in Clarksville, TX and moved with his family to Friona, TX when he was 9 yrs old. He attended schools in Friona and joined the Navy when he was 17. He spent 27 years in the Navy and served aboard several ships including the USS Forrestal and the USS Canopus. He also served at the Naval Academy Prepatory School in Newport, R.I. from 1979-1982 and was selected as Senior Enlisted Man of The Year in 1980. His last duty station was at SIMA Chas, SC where he was Command Master Chief for a year. He retired from the Navy in 1989. He was a graduate of Charleston Southern University (Go BUCS!) in 1985. He loved his Alma Mata and made it a point to support the CSU Buccaneer football team right up to the week before his death. Robert & his wife & best friend Jan moved back to Texas in 1990 where he taught high school in Dimmit, TX from 1992-98. They re-located to Smithville, TX where Robert taught for 3 more years. In 2002, Robert and Jan returned SC and settled in Florence where Robert taught at Florence High School for 3 years, finally retiring in 2005. Robert was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Mr. & Mrs. John Robert Duke of Clarksville, TX & Mr. & Mrs. A.W. Underwood of Victoria, TX. R.L. is survived by his mother, Marie Cecelia Duke of Lubbock, TX, his wife Jan of Levelland, TX & Florence, SC, his two daughters- Regina (Rusty) Connell of Stanley, N.C.& Shelly (Wayland) Moody of Moncks Corner, SC- 3 beautiful grandchildren, Nicole Landon Duke of Stanley, N.C., Lauren Amber Moody and his only grandson Tyler Wayland Moody (Bubba) of Moncks Corner, SC. 3 brothers- Billy Duke of Hutto, TX, John Duke (Deanna) of Friona, TX and Gary Duke (DeeDee) of Seabrook, TX. 3 sisters- Regina Peek (Mike) of Austin, TX, Catherine (Royce) Keck of Levelland, TX and Linda Steinman (Greg) of Albuquerque, N.M. Sister-in-law, Beverly Duke of Sugarland, TX also his extended family Donna (Jimmy) Wells of Guyton, G.A., Linda (Roger) Bedsaul of Mt.Airy, NC, Tony Snipes of Guyton, GA & sister-n-law Teri Bennett of Bloomingdale, GA. He is also survived by many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins including Don (Ann) Eudy of Clarksville, TX and a host of good friends in Florence, SC and throughout the country. Funeral Services held at Whisperwood Nursing Home Chapel in Lubbock, TX on Wednesday, November 24th, 2010 at 3:00pm. Graveside services at Florence National Cemetery, Florence, SC will be held Monday, November 29th, 2010 at 11:00 am. Old Soldiers never die, they just fade away. In lieu of flowers send donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, North Texas chapter, 8111 LBJ Freeway, Suite 425, Dallas, TX 75251 or to a charity of your choice.

To join the family in celebrating Robert's life, please go to www.georgepricefuneralhome.com.