Duncan, Edsel Thomas

Edsel Thomas Duncan, 87, of Willis, Va., returned to his heavenly home on Wednesday, June 24, 2009. Born on September 30, 1921, at White Rock in Floyd County, Va. He was the last survivor of nine children.

Edsel was preceded in death by his parents, Creed and Mary Louis Duncan; one sister, Viola; and seven brothers, Oakley, Shannon, Rommie, Ralph, Alvis, Harless, and Kessley.

Edsel is survived by his wife of 62 years, Pattie Reed Duncan. Also surviving are four children, Larry T. Duncan and wife, Linda, of Roanoke, Brenda A. Hurd and husband, Carlos, of Pilot, Buster L. Duncan and friend, Sherry Akers, of Christiansburg, and Sandra L. Dollar and husband, Delmer, of Blountville, Tenn.; daughter-in-law, Joyce Duncan, of Riner; and special sister-inlaw, Virgie Sutphin, of Floyd. Seven grandchildren dearly loved and will greatly miss their grandfather. Eight greatgrandchildren loved him as he did them. Many extended family and friends will miss him and hold him in their hearts.

Edsel was a lifelong resident of Floyd County. He served on the board of supervisors for Floyd from 1992 to 1995. He loved the mountains and lived a peaceful content life there. During World War II he proudly served his country. Edsel worked for Hercules Powder Company in Radford, Va., for more than half his career, later retiring from Yokohama in Salem, Va. He was an active member of Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren, serving as deacon and superintended of some years. He currently held the position of Vice President of the SADD (Students against Destructive Decisions) scholarship award program. This program is also known as the Bob Sowers Jr. scholarship fund in memory of Bob Sowers Jr.

His faith always strong and the love for his family constant. Pattie was the love of his life along with their four children. All the family loved him, will miss him, and feel very blessed to have had him in their lives.

Edsel Duncan, having completed his work here, can now be lovingly embraced by his Father in heaven, and be joyfully reunited with his family that’s gone on before. A special thanks to the nursing staff of The Villas at Heritage Hall in Blacksburg, Va.

Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 27, 2009, at Pleasant Valley Church of the Brethren, on Alum Ridge Road, with Pastor Brian Turpin officiating. Interment to follow at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. Military Rites by Floyd VFW Post #7854 and the American Legion Post #127.