Paul Duke

Paul David Duke, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, age 73, of Beebe, Arkansas, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 25, 2023. He was born October 11, 1950, in Jacksonville to Clyde and Betty Duke.

Paul was always working from the time he could drive a tractor, hauling hay during the summers and helping his Uncle Dearl on the dairy farm. Anything that was asked of him, he would do to help his parents. He was a 1968 graduate of Cabot High School and the first player to score a touchdown on the current Panther Stadium #66. Paul served the community of Cabot as a Police Officer in his twenties. He met the love of his life in January 1976 and quickly married her before she could get away, in March 1976. He worked hard all his life for his family and retired from Unilever Best Foods in 2003. After a 6-month hiatus, he began working for the Beebe School District where he worked until they both retired in 2017.

Paul lived for his family. He loved whole-heartedly and fiercely. He had the same love for the Lord and strived every day to walk in His light. He was precious and loved by all that knew him. His greatest joy was being surrounded by family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Betty Duke, and one sister, Donna Susan Cauley.

He is survived by his loving wife, Vickie, of 47 years; two children, Brian Duke of Beebe and Charray Ellis (Michael) from Cabot; five grandchildren, James David Duke (Caitlyn) of Crestview, Florida, Christopher Duke and Kalyn Duke of Beebe, and Brayden Ellis and Emersyn Ellis of Cabot. He also has two great-grandchildren, Greyson and Huxley Duke of Crestview, Florida.  Paul is also survived by his sister Sandra Weigt (Richard) of Conway; and brother-in-law Bill Cauley of Maumelle.

In lieu of flowers, Paul asked that when his time came, that donations be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital.

Visitation will be Friday, December 29, 2023, from 1-3 pm with service to follow at 3 pm at Smith-Westbrook Funeral Home, 404 W. Dewitt Henry Dr., Beebe, Arkansas.  Entombment will be in Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. www.smithfamilycares.com/westbrook.