Nathaniel Duke

Nathaniel Duke, 86, of Florence, Alabama, was born in Alexander City, Alabama and died Monday, November 9, 2009 at the E.C.M. Hospital after living a long life, filled with new experiences, adventure and always making new friends along the way. During his brief stay at the hospital, he and his family had the opportunity to share many wonderful family stories with each other. Nathaniel grew up in Montgomery, Alabama. His enlistment in the Army Air Corps began a lifetime of adventure and travel. In World War II, he was one of the original handlers of dogs used by the military for sentry duty. During his military career, he served on bases in Japan, Morocco and the United States. One assignment was in Miami, where his children were raised. He retired as a Master Sergeant in 1964. He joked that while living in Miami, he had been a hearse driver and while working at a hotel there, met Jackie Gleason. Following his retirement, he traveled extensively before moving to Florence in 1996. He loved his church, his girls and their families and the opportunity to visit with others. A service to celebrate his life will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, November 12, 2009 at the First Christian Church in Florence, Alabama. Associate Pastor Rev. Laura Hutchinson and Elder Tom Pebworth will officiate. The service is under the direction of Elkins Funeral Home of Florence. You are invited to sign the on-line guest register at www.elkinsfh.com. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the Hunter Christian Church at Hunter, Oklahoma. Rev. John P. McLemore will officiate. Interment will be in the White Cemetery at Hunter. Services are under the direction of Dugger Funeral Home of Garber, Oklahoma. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church of Florence in care of Dugger Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Garber, Oklahoma 73738. Members of the family will serve as pallbearers. Nathaniel is survived by his daughters, Susan D. Gebhardt and her husband, Dr. Carl Gebhardt, of Florence, Alabama, Ann D. McQuinn and her husband, Jim, and Glenda Loth, all of Orlando, Florida; grandchildren, Chris and Eric Gebhardt, Jennifer and Stuart West, Wendy Loth and Leitha Christiano; and great-grandchildren, Chloe and Emily Waid. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sara Jean Race Duke, who died in 1972. Condolences may be sent to the family using the online guest book at www.duggerfuneralhome.com.