Duncan was born on October 24, 1937, in Clarksville, TN, to Elmer Duncan Hamner and Marion McClure Hamner. He received his bachelor’s degree and his Doctor of Jurisprudence degree (1964) from Vanderbilt University where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He was commissioned as an Ensign in the United States Naval Reserve in June, 1959, and retired as a Captain in the Judge Advocate General Corps, U.S. Navy, in August 1992.
Shortly after beginning his naval assignment in Washington, D.C., Duncan met and married the love of his life, Madelon Patricia “Trish” Moloney on April 29, 1961. Together they raised four children Clarissa, Marion, William Duncan and Madelon. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary with family and friends earlier this year.
Duncan was dedicated to his country. In addition to his military service, he enjoyed a successful civilian career, first as an attorney for the Federal Maritime Commission for 2 years, then for 28 years in the Department of the Navy Military Sealift Command, from which he retired as Deputy Counsel in 1997. Following his retirement, Duncan and Trish moved to Tallahassee, Florida, then to Magnolia Point in Green Cove Springs, Florida, and finally to Amelia Island, Florida.
Duncan was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Marion, his brother Gustavus Adolphus “Gus”, and sister Clara McCauley Hamner Conway. Duncan is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Trish, his four children, Clarissa Murphy (Kevin), Marion “Midge” McHugh (Bill), William Duncan “Chip”, and Madelon “Mimi” DelFratte-Hale (Mike); and his four grandchildren Ashley McHugh, William “Will” McHugh, Caitlin “Katie” Murphy, and Dominic Duncan DelFratte. He is also survived by his cousin Annette Hoffman Tinnin of Clarksville, Tennessee and many in-laws, nieces and nephews.
A memorial service for Duncan will be held on Tuesday, September 21, 2021 at 1:00pm at the Chapel of the High Speed Pass, 6112 POW-MIA Memorial Parkway, Jacksonville, FL 32221, followed by a Celebration of Life at the home of his son, Chip, 1700 Moss Creek Dr., Fleming Island, FL 32003 at 3:00pm., open to anyone wishing to share in the celebration of Duncan’s life. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Duncan’s name to The National POW/MIA Memorial & Museum (powmiamemorial.org).
A livestream of the services from the Chapel of the High Speed Pass on Tuesday may be viewed at https://youtu.be/KL8-Jrb7sSU or https://youtu.be/ySCcDktMLz8.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hollyhillfunerals.com for the Hamner family.
