On February 12, 2015, Judge William B. Duncan passed away peacefully in his home while surrounded by his family and friends. Will, as he was affectionately known, was born on April 9, 1924 at home in the Central community where, generations before, his family had settled. As a young adult, he joined the Marines and served in WWII. In April of 1945, he married Edna Earle Seaton, a young woman he had been courting since first spotting her working in her father’s store. Their first child, Byron, died of polio at the age of 7. A few years later, their first daughter, Jane Ann Duncan was born and she was followed by her sister, Willa Kay Duncan.
Judge Duncan served as the Lauderdale County Probate Judge and presided as the County Commissioner Chairman for 18 years. As such, he served on the boards of many organizations and was passionate about making the Shoals community a wonderful place to live. He was active in many community and civic organizations; Central Civitan, American Legion, Post 11 and a Mason Third Degree. He was instrumental in establishing the Girls and Boys Attention Homes of Lauderdale and Colbert Counties.
He was also very proud of the Brush Creek Park of which he and the other commissioners established in the Wright Community. Moreover, Will loved the people of the community and could always be counted upon to be present and help in a time of need. He was noted to be the consummate “Southern Gentleman”. Anyone that knew him recognized that he was a disciple for Christ. He had regard for character, honor, faith and love. He faithfully worshipped God at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church.
Funeral service will be Monday, February 15, 2016, at 2 PM at Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church, with Kenny Windsor officiating. Burial will follow at Duncan Cemetery. Elkins Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Judge Duncan was preceded in death by his son, William Byron Duncan, parents, Turner and Ruth Duncan, sister Turner Jean Rigby and brother George Felix Duncan.
Judge Duncan is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Edna Earle Duncan; two daughters, Jane Ann Magazzu (John) and Willa Kay Godwin (Alex); three grandchildren, Anna Jane Jeffreys (Austin), Ann Marie Haraway (Tyler), and Duncan Godwin (Brooklyn); two great-grandchildren, Makenzie Jeffreys and Harper Haraway; three nieces, Cherie Rigby, Nancy Leuschner (Dave), and Jean Cook (Johnny); six great-nieces and nephews, Tony Lovelady (Janet), Lisa Nyhuis (Eric), David Leuschner (Nicole), Bryan Cook (Trena), George Cook (Alison), and Mary Anne Spears (Gus).
Pallbearers will be Alex Godwin, John Magazzu, Duncan Godwin, Tony Lovelady, Tyler Haraway, Bryan Cook and George Cook. Honorary pallbearers will be Austin Jeffreys, John Godwin, and Bill DeVaney.
Thank you to Glynda Bonner, Donna Corbett, Amber Spencer, Trena Pierce, Jan Kelley, Brenda McKelvey, Shirley Hensley, and Lisa Patterson for the care you gave. A special thank you to Cathy Wesson who has given love and care to the Duncan’s for the past four years of their lives. Also, thank you to Gentiva Hospice and Dr. Ricky Irons and staff.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Pleasant Hill United Methodist Church Building Fund.