Homer Poppa/Pops Duncan

Homer “Poppa/Pops” H. Duncan was born in 1933 to Robert S. Duncan and Althea M. (Bennett) in Highland Home, Alabama. He entered Eternal Rest at home surrounded by his loving family on August 26, 2017. He couldn’t wait any longer to join his beloved wife Rachel (GG) of 63 years who left us eight months to the day prior.

Poppa and GG both were the embodiment of warm love and remarkable kindness, never hesitating to help family, friends and even strangers. His wit, wisdom and generous loving heart made him a hero in many hearts. He enjoyed a trip to Florida for a lottery ticket and when asked recently what would be the first thing he did if he won, he replied, “I would take care of my family!” even after he had been doing that very thing his entire life!

Homer left the small family farm and humble beginnings to begin an amazing and distinguished career in the military. He sent money home to his parents first, after joining the Army Reserve for 2 years, then transferring to the Navy for 4 years and finally to the Air Force, rising to the highest rank for Non-Commissioned Officers of Chief Master Sargent. He served his country a total of 29 years and travelled and served in dozens of countries.

Poppa was the last of a breed and perfect example of a self-made man, humble that he had not graduated high school before he entered the service, but recognized and seized every opportunity to educate himself and ultimately published 2 books along with countless Training Manuals for Fire Safety. He encouraged and inspired each of us to pursue education and excellence. He was deeply touched to have been recognized after GG’s passing with a commemorative coin for Excellence in service to his country in the military presented in front of his family by Major General D. J. Conboy and spoke of it with a very humble pride. It meant so much to him and us.

Pops was a kind and gentle man with a sharp and fast wit. He gently picked at Mom and she would roll her eyes and announce, “It’s because he has an audience!”. We cherish each bit of wit that continued every time he had an “audience”, which was often! But if he thought he ever hurt someone, it bothered him greatly and would fast apologize, assuring that he loved and appreciated them. His loving family surrounded and doted on him triple time after GG’s passing, or as he said, “The worst day in my life”, and he humbly appreciated everyone’s efforts and was most grateful that daughter Peggy from Arizona came for GG’s services and stayed in the house with him until his passing.

He was preceded in death by his cherished & loving wife Rachel, his parents, brothers Rufus and Joe and sister Lois. This great man leaves behind Daughter Susie & husband Kelley Vansyoc and their children Erika, Rachel, Sara, Andrew, Nick and Megan and great granddaughter Ava (Andrew), Daughter Peggy & Joe Gomez and their sons Joey & Chris and Daughter Diane and her daughter Sunshine & husband David and great granddaughters Logan, Kinsley and Elora, as well as wonderful and loving nieces and nephews and sister in law Juanita and brother in law Craig.

He truly was a real-life hero and we can only hope to live up to the remarkable example of loving kindness, gentle humor, warm wit and wisdom.

A celebration of life is going to be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Mr. Duncan's residence. Please contact the family directly for more details.