Henry Frank Duke, 86, of Decatur went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 20, 2025. Frank lived an impactful life serving the Lord and left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. Whether your connection with him was family, friend, neighbor, co-worker, teammate, or coach, you knew he was a man of integrity and Christ-Like character. If you had the privilege of playing sports, games, or working alongside him, you knew his work ethic and competitive drive. Sports (especially baseball and golf) were his passion. He would always keep updated stats which were in his front pocket of his shirt. He would review them for accuracy and would be able to give you a debrief at any given moment. Frank had a unique ability to teach and motivate others to perform their best and would always lead by example. Much of his pastime was filled with planning camping trips, golf tournaments, gardening, working with his grandkids on baseball/softball, and attending their games. Frank was a devoted family man and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents Curtis and Marie Duke, his son Philip Duke, and siblings: Wayne Duke, Jimmy Duke, & Marie Talent.
Frank is survived by his wife, Sandra Joan Duke; Children: Lisa Bruce (David) and Mitchell Duke (Dana); Grandchildren: Claire Mims (Sidney) , Philip Bruce, Brent Duke, and Taylor Duke; Great grandchildren: Duke Mims, Keller Mims, Jude Mims; Sibling: Margaret Harden.
Frank was born and raised in Cullman, Alabama. He attended St. Bernard in Cullman on an athletic scholarship. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Joan, in 1960. Frank signed With the Los Angeles Dodgers to play pro ball in 1961. He was drafted to the U.S Army in 1962. His career was with the City of Decatur as Personnel Director for 30 years.
He was active in church with First Baptist of Decatur and Shiloh Baptist for his adult life. He coached Dixie Youth Baseball with a 70%-win record from 1972-1985 and was inducted into the Cullman County sports Hall of Fame in 2003.
Visitation for Frank will be held Friday, July 25, 2025, from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, 3941 AL-36, Somerville, AL 35670. Following the visitation, there will be a celebration of life service at Shiloh Baptist Church. Graveside service will be immediately following at Burningtree Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Brent Duke, Philip Bruce, Sidney Mims, Tommy Raley, Tyson Campbell, and Alan Kirby.
