James Arthur "Junior" Duke, Jr.

James Arthur "Junior" Duke Jr., age 75, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2026. A longtime resident of Selma, Alabama, Junior had spent the past three years residing in Titus, Alabama. Born on August 21, 1951, in Atlanta, Georgia, he was the son of the late James Arthur Duke Sr. and Murrell Duke.

Junior was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, dedicated pastor, and faithful servant of the Lord. Above all, he was a man who loved Jesus and loved his family with his whole heart.

Junior shared 55 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Paula Kay Duke. Sweethearts since their school years, Junior and Paula built a lifetime of love, laughter, faith, and cherished memories together. Their enduring love was a beautiful example of devotion and commitment to one another.

Junior attended Wallace Community College in Selma, where he studied Electronic Technology. He proudly served his country in Korea with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, Division Support Command, 1st Cavalry Division, as a cryptographic machine operator. During his military service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Korea), and the Sharpshooter Qualification Badge (Rifle). Following his military service, Junior enjoyed a career as a maintenance electrician with Bush Hog, from which he retired.

A man of remarkable talent and determination, Junior had a gift for fixing, building, and restoring just about anything. He especially enjoyed restoring classic cars, including his beloved 1967 and 1970 Camaros. There seemed to be nothing he couldn't do, a fact he demonstrated once again when he completely remodeled the home he and Paula shared in Titus. Whether working on a car, tackling a project around the house, or helping someone in need, Junior approached everything with skill, determination, and a little bit of humor.

Those who knew Junior will always remember his quick wit and his ability to have a one-liner ready for almost any occasion. He had a special way of bringing laughter into a room, and his humor was just one of the many things that made him so loved. Beneath that wit was a heart filled with love for his family. He was especially proud of his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy.

While Junior accomplished many things throughout his life, his greatest passion was sharing the love of Jesus Christ. As pastor of Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Hanover, Alabama, he faithfully devoted himself to preaching God's Word and ministering to others. His ministry was never limited to the walls of the church. Junior believed in living his faith every day, sharing the message of Christ's love through his words, his actions, and the way he treated those around him. His greatest desire was for others to know the same love and salvation he had found in Jesus.

Junior leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Paula Kay Duke; his daughters, Lisa Danley, Cindy Osburn (Kenneth), and Wendy Browning (Clint); his grandchildren, Dylan Osburn, Taylor Osburn, Ethan Osburn, Kenzie Browning, and Hayden Browning; and his great-grandchildren, Harper Osburn, Silas Butler, and Asher Butler, expected in December. He is also survived by several extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James Arthur Duke Sr. and Murrell Duke; his sisters, Barbara Sciple and Helen Jatko; his brothers, Randy Duke and Roger Duke; and other extended family members.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Poplar Springs Baptist Church in Rockford, Alabama. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m., with Bro. Brian Blakely officiating. Burial will take place in the Poplar Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dylan Osburn, Taylor Osburn, Ethan Osburn, Kenneth Osburn, Clint Browning, and Robert "Bob" Weatherly.

Junior's legacy will live on in the family he loved so dearly, the lives he touched through his ministry, and the countless memories shared with those who were blessed to know him. His family will remember his laughter, his wisdom, his unwavering love, and, most importantly, his steadfast faith in Jesus Christ.

Although his earthly journey has ended, the message he spent his life sharing remains: the love of Jesus Christ is everlasting.

Online condolences may be posted at www.linvillememorial.com.

Linville Memorial Funeral Home and Crematory
Eclectic, Alabama