Paul Edward Duckworth
December 7, 1945 – June 7, 2023
Paul Edward Duckworth was born to William Dewey and Elizabeth Rose Branch Duckworth in Icard Township, Burke County, North Carolina on December 7, 1945. He went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, as a result of complications from diabetes.
He is survived by his wife of over 55 years, Judy Duckworth; daughter, Angela and her husband, David Grice; son, Paul David and his wife, Krista Duckworth; six grandchildren – Lauren and her husband, Noah Williams, Nathan Grice, Caleb Duckworth, Noah Grice, Joshua Grice and Josiah Grice. He is also survived by his brothers, Joe Duckworth and J. Harold and his wife, Nancy Duckworth and sister in law Sandra Biggs, numerous nieces, nephews and other family members, as well as his cat, Joey.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William Dewey Duckworth and Elizabeth Rose Branch Duckworth, and his siblings, Frank Duckworth, Ruby Harwell, Howard Duckworth, Gladys Harwell, Robert “Bob” Duckworth, Millard Duckworth, and Max Duckworth.
Paul was a gentle man and never met a stranger. He was a hard worker and laughed even harder. He loved God, his family, his church family and his numerous friends that he considered family. He was an avid Texas Ranger fan and you could often find him on Sunday afternoons watching NASCAR races. He was the youngest of 10 siblings. He served in the United States Army from 1965 to 1967 and was honorably discharged and received the Good Conduct Medal. His rank at discharge was Specialist – Fifth Class (Sergeant).
By his own testimony, he belonged to a family who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. When he was 9 years old, his church, Oak Ridge Baptist Church in Connelly Springs, North Carolina, was having a revival. At the end of service one night, he felt God calling him to accept Him as his personal Savior. He served the Lord faithfully until he went into the Army. He was stationed in Fort Worth, Texas, where he met his wife, Judy. He said “She was the best thing that ever happened to me besides accepting Jesus as my Savior.” Judy invited him to church and they served the Lord together for over 55 years. He was a Deacon at Lighthouse Baptist Church for 18 years and at Bowles Memorial Baptist Church for 11 years before that. He served in many other capacities including Sunday School teacher, song leader, greeter, usher, choir member, soul winning and sign ministry, among others. His favorite Scripture is John 14:1-6.
Paul’s joy in life was his grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, teaching them, and teasing them, endlessly. He had a fear of snakes and was brutally tortured by his family with rubber snakes at every opportunity. He has provided his family and friends with so many “Poppy” stories, and they love to recount them with loving and fond memories.
In lieu of flowers, you are invited to donate so that Bibles can be sent around the world in memory of Paul. Donations can be sent to Lighthouse Baptist Church, 410 NE 27th Street, Grand Prairie, Texas 75050, or PayPal brothergrice@sbcglobal.net, or call 972-264-5422 to donate over the phone. Note “Bibles” on all donations.
