John Duke was known to those closest to him as "Poppy" or "Papa Duke". However, more important to him is that he will be remembered as one who followed Jesus and feared God. It is from this basis that John lived his life and made lasting impacts on his family, friends and community. He was a loyal friend, devoted father and believed in hard work. He was generous on every occasion especially to the those in the community he proudly served. John touched the lives of more people than even his friends and family ever knew and all of those he touched expressed their good fortune of having him involved in their life. He was named Humanitarian of the Year in 2009 by the Hueytown Chamber of Commerce. In 2014, John retired from proudly practicing dentistry for 41 years in the community he was raised and dearly loved – Hueytown. He was a humble man who loved the simple life – family, dogs, horses, Auburn football, The Temptations, bluegrass music and his cabin. He died in peace surrounded by his children amid the beautiful mountains in Montana, his favorite place to vacation with friends and family. John is survived by his son and daughter in law, Patrick and Rachel Duke, his daughter and son in law Auburn and Neel Shukla, his sister and brother in law Janice and Roger James, sister in law Leita Duke, nephews David, Joey and Andy Duke and their wives Tammy (Kassandra, Mandi, Caleb), Robin (Mary Claire, Michal) and Shelley (Bella), nieces Meloni Birtley (Shanna, Jonathan, Eric) and Memori Weaver (Hannah Lee, Levi, ElliAnn) along with their husbands Billy Birtley and Lee Weaver and his beloved grandchildren Neela and Judah Shukla. On Saturday, March 17th, 2018, the family will host a Celebration of Life for John at Watermark Place in Bessemer, Alabama. There will be a viewing beginning at 9 am until 11 am followed by a celebration. The community is invited to attend all events. In lieu of flowers, people are encouraged to donate to the Tom & Gene Cleckler Teen Center in Hueytown, Alabama.