Ernest S. Duke

Thursday, December 31, 2009

Ernest (Fuzzy) S. Duke, age 56, of Panama City passed from this life on December 28 in Marianna. 

He was born on November 16, 1953 in Camden, New Jersey, to Ernest and Ella (Gillette) Duke.  He had resided in Panama City for the last two years, coming from West Atlantic City, New Jersey.  He was a retired, loyal and dedicated fireman with the Atlantic City Fire Department in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  He was of the Protestant faith.  He was a member of the Rollin Rods Car Club and an avid hot rodder. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 4, at the Oakie Ridge Baptist Church with the Rev. Shane Hardesty officiating.  Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.  Cremation will follow the services. 

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Destiny Duke. 

Mr. Duke is survived by his mother, Ella Rebecca Duke of Marianna; wife, Joy Duke of Panama City Beach; one son, Arthur Hartwell, III of Hammonton, New Jersey; one step-daughter, Erica Crouder of Ventnor, New Jersey; one brother, Bill Duke and wife Melody of Alford; special niece and nephew, Cheryl and William Duke; also a host of relatives from New Jersey, Maryland and Oregon. 

The McBrearty family will miss him dearly.  Fuzzy loved his pets, Dutchess, Tilly and One Eye.  He never turned a stray animal away.  They will surely miss him.  He was a legend on his golf cart and loved sitting with his friends on the beach at sunset everyday.  His cup was always half full, never empty, and his laughter will live on in uor hearts forever. 

Flowers are being accepted or those wishing to may make contributions to the Bay County Animal Shelter.