Jerald Ray Duke

Jerald Ray "J.R." Duke was peacefully called home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 9, 2021 after a long debilitating struggle with the health effects beset upon him from his service in the United States Navy.

He is survived by his wife, of 59 years, Nancy; his two sons, Danny and Joseph and their wives; 7 grandkids; 9 great-grandkids; and two sisters, Charlotte and Darla.

Though he is gone from this world, the legacy he has left behind will live on in his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

J.R. was nothing short of a hero to his family. A strong, dedicated, loving and honorable husband and father who mentored, challenged and inspired his kids to achieve their dreams.

J.R. wasn't always about the serious moments. There are many memories of joy and laughter as he read his own comical versions of Dr. Suess or wore silly sunglasses with headlights and windshield wipers at a Christmas get together.

J.R. never expected his sons to walk in his shoes but rather to create their own paths, but anyone who knew J.R. would agree that while impossible to do, who wouldn't want to fill those shoes?

J.R.'s life will be celebrated on Monday, June 14th at 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Rio Rancho, 3906 19th Ave SE, Rio Rancho, NM 87124. Interment will be held on Thursday, July 1st at 2:15 p.m., at Santa Fe National Cemetery.