Samuel "Sam" Kenneth Duke

Samuel Kenneth Duke "Sam" went home to be with his Lord on September 29th, 2025. He was born on September 12, 1950 in Jackson, MS to Nedra Hayes Duke and James Duke. He also lived briefly in North Carolina and eventually his family moved to Birmingham, AL where he attended and graduated from EB Erwin High School. While at Erwin, he met his bride, Donna Johnston, in art club. They were married on February 1, 1970 and had celebrated 55 years together this year.

Sam spent most of his working years in the grocery business, with his very first job as a young teen breaking down boxes at Frito Lay to managing several grocery stores and merchandising for Keebler. He spent his last 15 years of working full time at H & H Truck and Home Accessories. In his retirement years, he worked part-time at Max Brannon and Sons and at Walmart.

Sam, with his wife Donna, resided in Center Point, AL for 30 years. They raised their children, Amy and Chris, there and were members of First Baptist Church Center Point. They later moved to Moody, AL and were members of Cross Point Baptist Church. After retirement, they moved to Adairsville, GA to be close to their daughter and grandchildren. They were members of Belmont Baptist Church and later Heritage Baptist Church. Known for his dry humor and willingness to help and serve, Sam made friends easily everywhere he went. He was a creative person with a wandering spirit. He was an avid golfer and was known to be pretty good at it! He also loved music and could play almost any stringed instrument. He had many other talents and hobbies as he was always active, including painting, decorating (especially for Christmas), playing cards, singing in choir, cooking, traveling and exploring new places. He loved to watch college football and cheer on the Tide. His greatest enjoyment was spending time with his family and grandsons and watching them in all of their activities. He was excited to share some of his hobbies with them. In his retirement, he was very active in the ministries and missions of the churches he attended. He was ordained as a deacon, sang in the choir, was part of a men’s gospel ensemble, and played guitar during worship. He went on several mission trips in the United States and also served in many local mission projects.

Sam was preceded in death by his son in 2022, Christopher Allen Duke, and brother, Michael Duke.

Sam is survived by his wife of 55 years, Donna Duke; daughter and son-in-law, Amy and Jason Carey; brother, Steven Duke of Park City, KY; sister-in-law, Lynne Burton of Trussville, AL; and grandchildren, Andrew Carey and Blake Carey. Other survivors include Melissa Chappell, Allison Blythe, and Jessica Lanham.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM at Heritage Baptist Church.

A memorial service will follow on Thursday at 7:00 PM from Heritage Baptist Church with Rev. Shane Parrott and Rev. Jim Sellers officiating.

Flowers are omitted, and donations may be made to the Heritage Baptist Church Mission Fund or Max Brannon and Sons Funeral Home to assist in final expenses.

The Brannon family and staff are honored to serve the family of Samuel Kenneth Duke "Sam".