Raymond Edsel Duke

My wife and I met Ray at our first 7th AD reunion in 2010. He was a special man and we enjoyed so much getting to know him if only briefly. He will be missed.

Ray Duke was a special person with a big smile that showed friendliness, humor, and gentlemanly consideration to the people he met. I feel honored to have known him through reunions of the 7th Armored Division Association. Certainly the U.S. Army recognized Ray Duke’s special abilities when he was trained to serve as a Medic and was assigned a Sergeant's leadership role. My prayer is that God’s gracious love will comfort Ray and reward him abundantly for all eternity. Amen.

Ray was one of our liberators in 1944. He was in charge of a group of medics back then. First time i met him in Louisville Kentucky he was sitting in the hotelbar talking to veterans of the 7th armored division. I walked up to him and said: hey Ray how are you. He answered: how did you know it was me? and i told him i recognized his voice (i talked to him on the phone earlier. Since then we became good friends. Ray, rest in peace. Your friend Niek

We did not know Mr. Duke personally, but have heard much about him throughout the years of friendship with Ken & MaryKay. We are truly sorry for your loss. At the same time to be in the presence of our Lord must be so amazing! He must have been a very wonderful man because of what we have seen in his son, Ken. Good job Mr. Duke!

He will be missed.He wasa great perosn and a great uncle. Sorry for your loss sorry i was not there

We are sorry we could not be there today. The entire family is in our hearts and prayers. Both Momma and Daddy were there with Aline to greet him in Heaven. Your Mom and Dad were two of the sweetest people! I will always remember their visits. And I will always remember "Girls' Day" at Pure Oil when Daddy would take Sandi and me around and it was always so confusing because many of our relatives on Daddy's side were all so much older, due to the fact that Grandpa DuBose was a widower with children when he married my Grandmother. Uncle Miles DuBose was Daddy's half brother, so Aline was my cousin even though I was the age of her children. Anyway, that day at Pure Oil was so special because I got to see Ray (my relative), Mr. R.G. Martin (went to church with me), Mr. Charles Murff (went to church with me), Mr. Bouse (his son, Lynn, was in my class at school) and someone called "Soap!" I remember all of them cracking up at me because I called him "Uncle Soap!" Your Dad and my Dad teased me! He was a fine man and I so appreciated him staying in touch with Momma after Daddy passed away! May God bless you and keep you in His comforting arms right now....as we celebrate His eternal life! Love and prayers, ~Lurlene (DuBose) McKinzie

Karn, Recie, Ken Ray, & Families,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a really special man and will be missed by all who knew him. The service was beautiful. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

Dear Kay, Karn, and Ken,

We wish we could be with you today, but it was not possible. Frank and I enjoyed visiting your Dad in April. He seemed happy and was so glad to see us as we were glad to see him. I know you will miss your Dad, but know he is in a better place with no more suffering. We love you all and will keep you in our prayers.

Love,
Frank and Anna Duke Johnson

To the Duke Family-
I am so sorry for your loss and ours. Your Dad had a way of taking you under his wing, giving you advice but most of all he knew how to make you smile!! He had a heart as big as Texas and I will always be grateful to the good Lord for sharing him with me! There is not only a huge hole in the 7th Armored now, but also in my heart... May Blessings and peace be with you all at this difficult time.

Mr. Duke was such a wonderful man and will be greatly missed! He was kind, generous and loved his family so much! He was a great role model for the neighborhood kids and we knew he cared about us. While we were growing up, he was always around to offer fatherly advice and didn't mind giving us a piece of his mind when he didn't agree with our actions! I remember spending many afternoons swinging in the swing just talking about everything or nothing. I knew Mr. Duke would always be there to listen no matter what. I am sad that he is no longer here with us on earth but take great comfort in knowing that he is now in heaven with no more pains! For I know that some day we shall meet again. To the family, I pray that God provide comfort to you during this difficult time!