Bobby Ray Duke's Obituary
Bobby Ray Duke passed away peacefully at sunrise on July 4, 2024 in Springdale, Arkansas surrounded by loved ones. He was born in Delight, Arkansas on November 7, 1936 to George Robert and Mae Brown Duke. His spirit was always younger than his body and he loved being on the go. Even in hospice, he got scolded for getting out of bed to play the piano, to which he responded that he was “just trying to lighten the mood.”
Bobby Ray lived a full, happy life and spread joy wherever he went. Always a jokester, he had a positive attitude and was grateful for even the smallest things in life, never taking anything for granted. He loved spending time with his family, music, Jesus, and led a faithful Christian life. Bobby Ray valued hard work and believed that a penny saved was a penny earned, and he instilled this in his family. He was a dedicated employee of ABF Freight in Little Rock for 33 years until he retired in 1993 and relocated to Northwest Arkansas to be closer to grandkids. His proudest accomplishment in life was his family and he bragged on them constantly to anyone and everyone. He loved being social and was actively involved in the Springdale Senior Center (where he and his wife won Prom King/Queen), Elks Lodge, and coffee clubs. He could solve a Rubik’s cube, ride his bike backwards, and beat pretty much anyone in ping pong, even at 87. Bobby Ray was always drawn to music – he could play the piano by ear (his favorites were Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and gospel music) and he would jump on stage to perform karaoke anytime he got the chance. He loved a freshly mowed lawn, watching ballgames and movies, eating ice cream or watermelon on the back porch (flyswatter in hand), going bowling, listening to music, and enjoying fellowship with family and friends. He was happiest when telling jokes (sometimes known to botch the punchline, which made them even funnier) and enjoying a home-cooked meal with his loved ones while a ballgame was on in the background. He spent many hours doing this with his family over the years.
Bobby Ray was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, June Conkle Duke, who passed away in 2010. He is also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Fern Webb, of Nashville, Arkansas, his sibling with whom he was closest, and his stepdaughter, Karla Groff, of Russellville, Arkansas. He is survived by the second great love of his life, Paula Means Duke, of Rogers, Arkansas, who filled the last 10 years of his life with laughter, adventure, and travel. He is also survived by his 3 sons; Dr. David Duke (Laura) of Fayetteville, Mike Duke of Russellville, and Doug Duke (Rhiannon) of Little Rock; stepson Curtis Means of Bentonville; as well as 5 grandchildren (Hannah Stanley, Heather Duke, Kenslee Duke, Kaden Duke, & Ty Groff) and 4 great-grandchildren.
Anyone who met him loved him, and he leaves behind countless jokes, laughs, and memories. He found joy in the small things and left the world a better place than he found it. May we all be a little more like Bobby Ray.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations in Bobby Ray’s honor to Circle of Life Hospice (901 Jones Road, Springdale, Arkansas 72762). Donations will go toward tuning their piano, one of his last requests.
Visitation to be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, July 12, 2024 followed by a Memorial Service at 2:00 PM at Nelson-Berna Funeral Home (4520 North Crossover Road, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72764). Graveside Service to follow at Fairview Memorial Gardens (1728 East Mission Boulevard, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703).
What’s your fondest memory of Bobby?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bobby?
Share a story where Bobby's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bobby you’ll never forget.
How did Bobby make you smile?
