Joe D. Duncan

Joe D. Duncan, retired Presiding Judge of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals and beloved elder of a sprawling extended family rooted in East Tennessee’s Cumberland Mountains, died Aug. 20, 2024, in Knoxville.

He was 100 years and 6 months old.

Working in close and congenial cooperation with his nine siblings and their descendants, Joe made it his life’s mission to encourage his kin to contribute to society, which they have done in a wide range of fields, including law, politics, government, business, education, health care, science, public safety, communications and other community-building endeavors.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Sept. 5 from 5-7 pm, with a service to follow (Rev. Clay Harrington officiating), at Rose Funeral & Cremation — Mann in Bearden. 6200 Kingston Pike Knoxville, TN 37919

Interment will be Friday, Sept. 6, at 1 pm in the Duncan Family Cemetery, 709 Baker Hwy. Huntsville, TN 37756.

Following the cemetery service, attendees are invited to an informal lunch at Senator Baker's Cabin, 407 Woodland Place, Huntsville, TN 37756.

Those planning to attend lunch Friday are asked to reply to Lisa Moffett via text or call (423) 571-0094.

Joseph David Duncan began his long journey on Feb. 11, 1924, in the Scott County, TN, town of Huntsville.

Born to F. B. and Cassie Duncan, he was the 8th of their 10 children who lived to adulthood. His father was a military veteran, farmer/carpenter and lay preacher at the Helenwood, TN, Presbyterian Church. His mother was a longtime public school teacher and community activist.

Joe was the first (and so far only) in the Scott County clan of Duncans to reach the century milestone. A large party was held last February to mark the joyful event.

At the party he enthusiastically greeted all well-wishers, happily posed for photos, and devoured a generous helping of birthday cake.

Joe’s life was one of extraordinary achievement, and devotion to family togetherness and public service.

He was:
…A hard-working farmboy, hoeing corn, milking cows, and delivering newspapers on the side.

…The leading scorer on his Huntsville High School basketball team.

…A Lieutenant and navigator in the Army Air Corps during WWII.

…An FBI Special Agent.

…Elected Tennessee State Commander of the American Legion.

…A graduate of the University of Tennessee College of Law. Successful in the private practice of civil and criminal law. Mentor to many at the Knoxville bar and on the bench.

…Twice elected judge of the Knox County Criminal Court.

…Appointed by Gov. Winfield Dunn to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, where he served 15 years and was chosen by his peers to be Presiding Judge.

…A savvy campaign strategist for himself, and for his brother John, his nephew Jim, his niece Becky Massey and his son Phil — all of whom won elective office with his advice and support.

…A deacon and longtime member at Cedar Springs Presbyterian Church.

…A devoted son, loyal husband, loving father and grandfather. A faithful friend.

…A renowned storyteller. So many stories!

…Editor of the Duncan Family Newsletter. Founder of the biennial Duncan Family Reunion. Established and led two Duncan Family non-profit organizations.

…A master gardener, whose home-grown tomatoes were coveted by the courthouse staff.

Joe was married for almost 71 years to
Lou Etta Phillips Duncan. She died in 2017 at age 92.

He is survived by their son Philip David Duncan, and daughter-in-law Leslie Ann Duncan, of Falls Church, Va.; two grandchildren — Meredyth Phillips Duncan, of Gloucester Point, Va.; and Tyler Witte Duncan, of Arlington, Va.; special grand nephew Jason Mitchell Phillips, of Knoxville; and multiple generations of other nieces and nephews, some of whom are young enough to carry their fond memories of “Uncle Joe” into the next century.

Donations in memory of Joe are welcome to the Duncan Family Cemetery, Inc., for perpetual care of the historic burial grounds in Scott County; and to the Duncan Educational Fund, Inc., which supports the educational needs of students in the Scott County public schools.

Contributions to these family charities may be mailed to Judith L. Naderhoff, Treasurer, 5255 Hampton Lane, Columbus, OH 43220.

The family also invites contributions in memory of Joe and Lou’s love for cats and other critters to the Young-Williams Animal Center, 3201 Division St., Knoxville TN 37919.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.rosefuneraltn.com

Jones & Son Funeral Home is in charge of the local arrangements for the family of Joe D. Duncan

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