Georgia and the Griffin area particularity are saddened to hear of the passing of Georgia State Patrol Sergeant Retired Donald G. Duke. This broadcaster was very lucky to have known my brother in arms as a Navy seaman, Trooper, and Dear Friend to my father, mother and all of the Taylor Family. Don was one of the most honest, and fair men I have ever known. To say he was a patriot and loved the Navy, friends, his country, and Georgia State Patrol would be an understatement. He took pride in taking new Troopers under his wing for training and teaching them his way of fairness in performance of his duties.
I remember fondly when disusing our military careers how his face would light up when discussing the Navy and the Aircraft Carrier Franklin D. Roosevelt on which he was assigned as a F-4 phantom electronics technician. He gave me fits about my Army Service, but said my stabilizing force was being married to Donna who was a Navy brat, and father was a Navy Captain in charge of all ordinance n the Atlantic fleet.
He would talk fondly about our trips to gun shows together to represent my dad who was in the firearms and equipment of Taylor Police Supply, Law Enforcement Distributor here n Griffin. Also his assignment as personal driver for Georgians Attorney General Mr. Arthur K. Bolton of Griffin and how he would pull pranks on Mr. Bolton. Come to think of it he would pull pranks on all of us.
There has never been a more dedicated Friend, Public Servant, Trooper, or Family man than Donald Duke. I am more than honored to have had Don as a brother, I never had, a fellow law enforcement officer, comrade in arms, and dear friend. I met with him on Thursday evening about 7:30 just before he passed away about 11:45. The Duke Family has lost a great husband, brother, dad and granddad. All of my children, Donna and I have lost one of our most valued personal friends.
The WKEU staff sends our prayers to Julia Duke and her family, Brother in law John and Shirley Duke-Sticker, Bennie his brother, and family in Albany.
Those of us that knew Don, well will carry his memory in our hearts for the remainder of our life.
Visitation will be Sunday at 12:30 until 1:30 with the services at 1:30 in the Chapel of Conner Westbury Funeral home Highway 92 west in Griffin.
Bill Taylor LTC (R) USA