Joseph "Joe"

Duke

Joseph “Joe” Duke, 92, of Maggie Valley, NC, passed away quietly at his home on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, with his beloved wife by his side.

A native of Miami, Dade County, Florida, Joe was born on March 14, 1934, to the late Jeptha Duke and Annie Mae Duke. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Helen and Bea; and his brothers, William, Carl, and Lyman.

Joe came from a large family, and he learned to be resourceful at a young age. Though his formal schooling ended after the 10th grade, he earned his real education in the School of Hard Knocks, and the lessons he learned there shaped a man who was hardworking, practical, and never afraid to roll up his sleeves.

Joe started in the construction industry at the age of 16 as a carpenter and grew to become superintendent of Messana Construction Company in Opa-locka, FL, where he served for 18 years. Throughout his life and career he was a strong and consistent mentor to many family members. In 1990, due to health issues, he retired and moved to North Carolina to be closer to family, where he built a second career in commercial rental properties.

He loved the Lord, a freshly mowed lawn, and a good auction. Joe was never happier than when he was wheeling and dealing, and he could talk his way into a bargain as easily as he could build a house.

Joe was a teller of stories. If you had time to sit, he would share a novel’s worth of tales from his life. He stayed sharp until the end, and you could feel the love, the mischief, the joy, and the grit in every tale. In his telling, even ordinary moments carried a quiet magic and made you proud to come from the people he described.

Above all, his greatest love was his family. Sunday dinners at Grandma and Grandpa’s house meant a full spread and a whole day of play. Christmas was his favorite time of year, and nothing brought him more joy than watching everyone open presents and spending time together. He was a true family man in every way.

Joe is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife and constant companion of 73 years, Helen Duke; his children, Diane Hemphill, Janice Campbell (J. Scott), and Joseph Duke Jr. (Cindy); his grandchildren, Jennifer Campbell-Overbeeke (Adam), Jessica Campbell, Sara Howell (Charlie), Joseph Duke (Hannah), and Audrey Logsdon (Gavin); his great-grandchildren, Leif, Landry, Cade, Duke, Bennet, and Ella; his brothers, Dan, Terry (Diane), and Jerry (Dorothy); and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Wells Funeral Home at 11:30 am on Friday, November 20, 2026. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10:30 am until 11:30 am. Pastor Mike Shirley will be officiating. Interment will follow at Garrett Hillcrest Cemetery.

The care of Mr. Duke has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Waynesville.