Robert William Duke, Jr., “Bobby” to just about everyone, died on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, in Columbia, South Carolina, at the age of 93. Born August 9, 1932, in Mouzon Community near Kingstree, Williamsburg County, to Ruby Griffith Duke and Robert W. Duke, Sr., the only son and eldest of five children, he lived the majority of his life on land adjoining his parents’ farm. A devoted member of Mouzon Presbyterian Church, he served as deacon, elder and clerk of session there for many years.

After graduating at the top of his class from Kingstree High School, he graduated with high honor from Clemson College in 1953, receiving a Bachelor of Science degree in animal husbandry. At Clemson, he was selected to be a member of Tiger Brotherhood; was chosen by the Danforth Foundation of St. Louis as a national Danforth Fellow, as an outstanding member of the junior class; and, in his senior year, was awarded the Borden Agricultural Scholarship, presented by the Borden Company Foundation to the senior who had the highest academic average for all coursework preceding the senior year (and who had at least two courses in dairy science). Following Clemson, he served as a captain in the United States Army.

Bobby was a natural storyteller and entertained his many friends tirelessly – outdoors, whenever he could manage it. He loved the woods and was an avid sportsman and a keen wing-shot – following in his father’s footsteps by training and shooting over many bird dogs over the course of his lifetime.

Most of his professional career was spent in the agricultural chemical business, where he eventually retired from Carolina Eastern. He was active over the years in a number of civic organizations, including service as president of the Kingstree Kiwanis Club.

Bobby was first married to Anne Ledford Duke, who died in 2005. They had three children: Robert Brian Duke (1963-2019), Margaret Anne Duke Bowers, and Thomas “Tommy” William Duke. When Tommy attended the South Carolina School for the Deaf and the Blind in Spartanburg, his parents met Nancy (Nan) Foster, who taught there for many years. Bobby and Nan were married in 2008 and divided many years between their homes in Mouzon and Spartanburg. Nan Foster Duke died in 2024.

More recently, Bobby has resided at The Palmettos of Parklane in Columbia, where he has enjoyed the friendship and generous care of new friends. We are very grateful for all of the wonderful care and love that they gave him.

Bobby was preceded in death by his wives; his son Brian; his parents; and his sister, Hazel Duke FitzSimons. He is survived by his daughter, Margaret Anne; his son Tommy; his grandson, Tommy Warren; and three sisters: Mary Duke Martin, Emma Duke Doughty (Ray), and Anne Duke Pauley. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, and countless friends.
Long-time friend and neighbor Kay Frierson was a wonderful friend to Bobby and his family for many years and was invaluable in his care before he moved to Columbia.

Services for Mr. Duke will be held at Mouzon Presbyterian Church on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Mouzon Presbyterian Church, c/o Kay Frierson, 33 Lynchburg Road, Kingstree, SC 29556.