E. Thomas "Tom" Duke, Sr.

E. Thomas Duke, Sr., 91, of Fayetteville, passed away on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at the NC State Veterans Nursing Home.

An avid gardener who found a passion in growing grapes, he was even happier to share his grapes with friends.  After owning a service station with Pure Oil and Union 76, he taught auto mechanics at Douglas Byrd Senior High School from 1979 to 1995.  He taught early education Sunday School at Village Baptist.  He also started the Children’s Worship Service.  He will be remembered for passing out kisses, Hershey’s Kisses.

Tom was born in Ft. Bragg on January 4, 1930 to the late Pat and Nellie Duke.  He was also predeceased by his wife, Helen; sisters, Patsy Mayfield, Carolyn Graham; brother, Bill Duke; and grandson, Thomas Bowles.

Left to cherish Tom’s memory are his daughter, Dee Bowles and husband Dave of Hope Mills, son, Ed Duke, Jr. and wife Beth of Raleigh, and his greatest pride and joy, his grandchildren, Samantha Duke, Brad Bowles, and Daniel Duke.

A celebration of Tom’s life will be held at 11am on Saturday, April 3, 2021 at Village Baptist Church.  The family will welcome friends from 10am to 11am, prior to the service.

The family would also like to acknowledge the wonderful staff at Zorba's and Lindy's Restaurants.

Online condolence maybe expressed at www.sullivanshighland.com.

Services are entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service & Crematory.