T. J. Duncan of Millington, known by many as "Papa T", passed away the evening of July 11, 2015, at the age of 92. He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, friend and neighbor.
T. J. was the son of James Henry Duncan and Rosa Lee Freels Duncan, born on February 17, 1923, in Lauderdale County, TN. He served his country, first with the Civilian Conservation Corp and then in the Army during World War II; after serving 3 years in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater he was honorably discharged in 1946. After trying his hand at farming for several years T. J. started to work for the Defense Depot at the Millington Naval Air Station in 1951 and retired after 31 years of service.
T. J. had been a resident of Millington for over 60 years where he had been active in many church and community affairs. He was a founding member of Southside Baptist Church where he was ordained a deacon, a position he held until moving his membership to the First Baptist Church in Millington. He served with the Shelby County Juvenile Court as a probation officer and was appointed Colonel, Aide de Camp by Governor Lamar Alexander in 1980 for his work during the Tennessee Bicentennial Celebration. His compassion for his fellow man was evidenced by his actions including donations of time and money to those in need, several organizations and other acts such as donating over 4 gallons to Life Blood. He was a long time active member of the Baker Community Center for Senior Citizens until his health prevented him from attending.
T. J. leaves behind four children: Jeri Dickson and her husband Steve; Kaye Duncan; Paul Duncan; Tim Duncan and wife Linda; 5 grandchildren: Tammy Ballowe, Chris McMillion, Tim Duncan Jr, Nick Duncan and Sabrina Duncan; 6 great grandchildren: Jeremy Wildenborg, Taylor McMillion, Trenton McMillion, Makaila Duncan, Madison Duncan and Dalton Forrester: one great great grandson: Brody Lee Huck; one sister: Margaret Martin of Stanton, TN; one brother: Walter "Bill" Duncan of Memphis; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and caregivers; Jennifer Beck and Stephanie Duncan.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Louise Ross Duncan; an infant son, James Franklin Duncan; his parents and siblings: Lawrence, Robert, Ruth, Odell, Tom, Horace, Johnnie, James, Eugene and Mary Nell.
Visitation will be Friday, July 17, 2015 from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., funeral service and burial to follow at Northridge Woodhaven Funeral Home and Cemetery.