Allen M. Duke, Jr. age 85 of Murfreesboro died Thursday August 31, 2017. He was a native of Cannon County and was preceded in death by his parents, Elsie Stacey Duke Jernigan, Allen M. Duke, Sr.; foster parents, Landon and Lillian McDougal; brothers, Fred and Jack Duke, Larry Jernigan, Billy Jernigan; sister, Nell Vance and Mary Sue Jernigan. Mr. Duke was a member of Wards Grove Baptist Church and retired Maintenance Supervisor with Rutherford County Schools. He was a veteran of the United States Army.

Mr. Duke is survived by his wife of 65 years, Mary Helen Braswell Duke; children, Debbie Brashear and husband Kenny, Danette Jones and husband Steve, Donna Tarpley and husband Chris, Denita Lehew, Danny Duke and wife Barbara; grandchildren, Noah Weakley and wife Jessica, Natalie Weakley, Grant Tarpley, Trent Duke, Shea Juneau and husband Daniel, Austin Duke and wife Jessica, Kelsey Lehew, and Mallory Lehew; 13 great-grandchildren; sisters, Cleo , Peggy, Ann, Linda, Wanda, Patricia, Peggy Jacobs and husband Doris; brothers, Wayne Duke, Price Jernigan.

The family would like to express a special thank you to Tennesse State Veterans Home. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer's Association.

Visitation will be 3:00PM to 7:00PM Saturday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. Funeral service will be 4:00PM Sunday at Wards Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Tim Fisher and Rev. Mike Hollaway will officiate. Burial will follow at Wards Grove Cemetery. www.woodfinchapel.com