Leslie Duke

Reverend Leslie Monroe Duke, age 91, of Calera, Alabama, passed away peacefully at his home on December 15, 2019. Born and raised in Randolph, Alabama (Bibb County), he graduated from Bibb County High School.  He served his country in the U.S. Maritime Service, the U.S. Navy, and the U.S. Air Force honorably discharging in 1955. He returned to Birmingham, Alabama and while working with Hayes Aircraft Corporation he began church ministry while attending and graduating from Howard College (now Samford University). Later, he attended and graduated from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. While devoting 43 years of service in the ministry, he pastored churches in Alabama, Louisiana, Indiana, and Georgia as well as also directing several lay ministries and programs. He was a devoted pastor to many and a friend to all. He loved to share stories about his childhood and growing up in the country, his military days, his serving the Lord, and other adventures.  He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. He loved the Lord, his family, fishing with Ann, traveling when able, and cheering for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He is survived his by his son, Phillip Leslie Duke, and daughter, Cindi Duke Salzmann; grandchildren James Fuller, III (Jessica), Phil Duke, Jr.(Jill), Chelsea Salzmann (Alex),  Abbey Duke, Justin Salzmann,  Hilary Duke Dykas (Anthony), Tyler Salzmann; brother Samuel B. Duke (Susan); brother-in-law Ray Hill (Diane); sisters-in-law Jewel Hayes, Doris Sims, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in in death by his wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Ann Duke; infant daughter Phyllis Lorraine Duke; parents French N. Duke, Sr. and Idee Langston Duke; brothers French N. ”Buddy” Duke, Jr., Henry Patrick “Pat” Duke; sisters Mary Frances Pruet, Inez Lafans, Ruth Lambert, Ann Bolding, Imogene Thaggard, Barbara Nelson, Lea Atkins. A Chapel Service will be held at Jefferson Memorial Gardens, Trussville, Alabama at 2:00 PM Thursday, December 19, 2019 with visitation at 12:30 PM. Interment will follow.