Joe Tyler Duncan, 75 years of age, from New Tazewell, TN passed away on July 25, 2010 at UT Medical Center in Knoxville, TN. Mr. Duncan life was dedicated to the service of his community. He started this life of service by serving his country when he joined the United States Air Force in March 1955. During his service he received various letters of commendation for his job performance. He served his country from 1955 -1958 receiving an honorable discharge, returning to his beloved Claiborne County after the passing of his father, so that he could care for his siblings and mother. He remained in the Air Force Reserves for 4 additional years. Mr. Duncan was the first person in his family to graduate from college. In 1963 he graduated from Lincoln Memorial University where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree majoring in Education. In the fall of 1963 He began teaching at Midway Elementary School. In 1966 Mr. Duncan became the Claiborne County Physical Education Supervisor under the Title 1 program. He was a very active member of the Jaycees from 1959 - 1969. While Mr. Duncan was the chairman of the Claiborne County Fair Association, the association built the current fair barn that stills stands today and is the hub of activity for the annual fair and other activities for the county. He was also awarded the "Outstanding Young Man of the Year Award". In 1970 Joe started his own company - Duncan Dozer Service. He ran and operated this company for more than 30 years. In 1980 Joe was elected as Claiborne County Road Superintendent. He served in this position for 16 years. During his tenure he was responsible for building 60 bridges county wide. He was also instrumental in the formation of the E-911 system, serving on the E-911 board and labeling all the county roads with road signs. Until this time the county roads were not labeled, almost making it impossible for emergency vehicles to find their destinations. He made it a priority to care for all cemetery roads during times of death. No matter what type of weather conditions, Joe stayed in constant contact with local funeral homes so that he could provide this service to the residents of Claiborne County. From 1996-2006 Joe began work for his life- long friend Roger Ball, where he traveled all over East Tennessee. In 2006 Mr. Duncan was elected Mayor of Claiborne County. He was so proud to serve in this position. He has always loved Claiborne County and its residents. Serving his county in this manner was a daily honor to Mr. Duncan. He served as the Chairman of the Claiborne County Hospital and Claiborne County Industrial Boards. His tireless efforts to improve services for the county were witnessed on a daily basis. Mr. Duncan was a member of the Claiborne County Planning Commission for more than 25 years and had been an active member of the Lions Club for over 30 years. He is also a member of New Tazewell United Methodist Church which he loved so much for over 30 years. Mr. Duncan came from humble beginnings, and accomplished much in his life. He was the recipient of many awards and honors, all of which were never sought by him. He never asked anything for himself, but always what he could do for others. Of all his professional accomplishments he was more proud of his personal accomplishments.

Mr. Duncan is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 41 years Betty Shumate Duncan. Daughters Judith (Jody) Duncan Beason and husband Anthony of New Tazewell, Jayme Duncan Phillips and husband Patrick of Oak Ridge, Son William Tyler (Bill) Duncan and wife Beth of Tazewell, TN. Grandchildren, Joseph Tyler Duncan, Isaac Clinton Duncan, Matthew Ryan Duncan, Grace Kelly Phillips, James Patrick Phillips, Elizabeth Grace Beason and Austin Tyler Beason. Brother John Duncan of Zavalla, TX, Sisters Dorothy Johns of Knoxville, TN., Mary Lou Venable of Newport, Ann Estes and husband Dennis of New Tazewell, TN, Margaret Love and husband Dean of New Tazewell, TN. And Brother-in-law Bill DeBusk and wife Peggy of New Tazewell, TN, James C. Shumate and wife Ann of Middlesboro, KY and Sister-in-law Mildred Shumate of Middlesboro, KY, Aunt Jo Ann Newby of Tazewell, many nephews and nieces, cousins and friends.

He was proceeded in death by his parents Tyler and Gracie Duncan of New Tazewell, sister Eva DeBusk of New Tazewell, nephews; Michael Day of Tazewell, Arthur Greene of Knoxville, sister-in-law Carolyn Duncan of Zavalla TX., uncles; Shelby Newby and Vernon Newby and wife Ruby, Aunts: Minerva Newby of New Tazewell, TN and Lula Harville and husband Don of Tazewell, cousin Evelyn Newby of new Tazewell. Mother and Father -in-law Mattie and William Shumate of Middlesboro, KY. Bother -in-law Oscar Johns of Knoxville, TN, Jerry Venable of Newport TN and William R. Shumate of Middlesboro, KY, Homer C. Shumate of Middlesboro, Ky.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, July 28, 2010 from 5pm until 8pm at the New Tazewell United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 10am at the church. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery. Claiborne Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Claiborne County Hospital, Claiborne County Emergency Services, University of Tennessee Medical Center, University of Tennessee Transplant Team and all the fine individuals, doctors, and nurses that cared for Mr. Duncan during his illness.