ROCKY POINT — Thomas Franklin “Tom” Duke Jr., 77, passed away Tuesday, May 12, 2020.
He was born Oct. 16, 1942, in Stanly County to the late Thomas Franklin Duke Sr. and Vesta Marie “Allen” Duke.
Thomas moved to Wilmington in 1978 with Bill Browning to open Browning Tire. He got the nickname “The Tire Man,” and he was a great salesman. In 1994, Thomas left Browning Tire to go into business with his son, Chad Duke, and his wife, Tracey. They opened Duke’s Tire Pros with Thomas as the principle owner.
He was also a member of Sons of Confederate Veterans and Jaycees of Wilmington. Thomas loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He also loved to cook out and visit Moores Creek National Battlefield. He was happiest when he was in Cedar Hill.
Left to remember him are his wife, Deborah Wilkins Duke; sons, Scott Duke, and his wife, Linda, Eric Duke, and his wife, Laura, Chad Duke, and his wife, Tracey, Shane Duke, and his wife, Kristi, and Curtis Wilkins; daughters, Patricia Johnson and Laura Wilkins; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and his cousin, Lennox Allen Eward, who was like a brother to him.
Thomas was preceded in death by his son, Robert Duke; and brothers, Jerl Duke and Allen Duke.
A memorial service will be held at a later date at Cedar Hill United Methodist Church, Cedar Hill.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare.
Share online condolences with the family at Quinn-McGowen Funeral Home.
