Born in Jackson July 31, 1930, Frank was the son of John Bunyan and Lillian Montgomery Duke. He was a 1948 graduate of Central High School and attended Vanderbilt University as a recipient of the Admiral Holloway Scholarship. While at Vanderbilt, he was president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity and a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Honor Society. He graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering.
From 1952 to 1955 Frank served in the Navy as Lt. JG on the USS Pocono, an amphibious command ship based in Norfolk, Virginia. Following his military service, Frank worked as a petroleum engineer for Atlantic Richfield in Texas and Oklahoma. He returned to Jackson in 1962 to begin an extensive investment career, initially joining the firm of Equitable Securities. He subsequently became an investment executive with Paine Webber and its successor, UBS Financial, until retiring in 2012.
Frank’s interest in the Jackson community led him to serve on the boards of St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Country Club of Jackson, The Capitol City Club, and the Jefferson Davis Descendants Family Association. He was a president of the Mississippi Securities Dealers Association.
As a third-generation communicant, Frank maintained a loyal devotion to St Andrew’s Cathedral. In his youth, he sang in the boys’ choir. Later he felt privileged to serve as a member of the vestry, as well as serving on the finance and endowment investment committees.
An avid golfer, Frank won the Country Club of Jackson’s super senior golf championship three times. Over the years he enjoyed scoring five holes in one, a feat he modestly contributed to a bit of skill and a lot of luck.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister, Lillian Duke Granberry. He is survived by his wife, the former Susan Padgitt Barry; his daughter Barry Duke Hendricks of Madison; his son Frank Montgomery Duke Jr., and his wife Elizabeth Graeber Duke of Raleigh, N.C.; grandson Ethan Montgomery Hendricks, and granddaughter Cora Elizabeth Duke.
Frank was a true gentleman known for his love of life, his loyalty, and his integrity. He wanted to be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Andrew's Episcopal Cathedral or the American Heart Association.
