Julian W. "Rusty" Duke

Julian Wesley (Rusty) Duke, age 80, finally ran out of an audience here on earth and has gone off to what we can only assume is the great fishing hole (or drum solo) in the sky. He passed away leaving behind a trail of stories, pranks, and a suspicious number of stuffed and animated toys that will likely come alive at night just to keep us on our toes.

Born with the gift of rhythm and a knack for mischief (understatement), he spent years drumming his way across stages, leaving behind infamous tour tales that were told and retold – usually with a little extra flair – any time he had an audience. And let’s be honest, EVERYONE was his audience, whether they wanted to be or not. He loved to talk, especially if it involved a grandchild, his music career or a fishing story, a prank gone wrong (or right), or some dramatic retelling of his youthful escapades (like sawing the legs off a teacher’s desk). He earned acclaim as a underwear repurposing aficionado with true expertise in creative uses for old underwear elastic bands (if you know, you know).

He was always a big kid who could be a big softie and was known to overindulge Tracy (like the year he bought gifts twice because although Tracy had opened gifts at home before traveling to Georgia for Christmas, he couldn’t bear the thought of him having none on Christmas morning). Even though he was known far and wide for his ability to gripe and grumble (we’re talking world class level here, not just your everyday run-of-the-mill grumbling), Tracy always knew that Rusty had his back and was there for him, Shanee, & the kids.

Speaking of the kids, he offered cash bribes to Shanee for grandchildren, a strategy that eventually paid off. When Chase was born, he completely lost his mind – in the best possible way – and overdid grandparenting in true Rusty style and that was doubled when Hope arrived. He enjoyed spending time with both grandchildren at the pool. He loved watching Hope be a mermaid and torturing them about Mo Mo the water monster. When Chase and Hope were old enough to start playing sports, he was an instant fan! Going to watch them play was one thing he never griped about. Watching Chase play football would usually trigger a story or two from his glory days of playing for the Jackson Devils in High School and occasionally when Chase would make an exceptionally good play Rusty would stand up and point towards the field while saying to everyone around him “Did you see that? He gets that from me”.

Fishing was one of his favorite pastimes, particularly in later years when he could share the boat with his son Tracy and granddaughter, Hope (he started Hope early with a toy rod and a plastic fish in the hot tub). When not fishing he enjoyed spending his spare time hoarding, to include but not limited to bags of bread ties, rubber bands, income tax returns and bank statements dating back 30+ years.

He leaves behind his wife of 60 years, Martha Duke, who deserves sainthood (or at least a medal), his son Tracy, his daughter-in-law and occasional sparring partner Shanee and his beloved grandchildren Chase Duke and Hope Gash. He also leaves behind extended family members including his niece, Angel Elizabeth Duke and his nephew, Cortney Cato along with friends that he spent many hours enjoying fellowship and general silliness with.

We will remember him as the man who overdid everything – the stories, the laughter, the pranks, the toys, the music, and even the grumbling. He may have sometimes acted like he didn’t want to be here, but we’re pretty sure he really wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. We already miss him scrunching his face and bellowing his favorite phrase MAAAARTHA! May he finally find contentment…and may Heaven have some earplugs for those drum solos.