Ralph Leon Duncan

Ralph Leon Duncan went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on August 8, 2018, surrounded by loving family. 

Ralph was born on January 29, 1931 in Belmont, MS, the son of Thomas McCrory and Verona Deaton Duncan. 

Ralph married his high school sweetheart, Jacqulin South, on December 22, 1951.  By 1956, Ralph and Jackie settled in Fort Walton Beach, FL, to raise their family.  He was a 60 year member of the First United Methodist Church.

Ralph received degrees from the University of Southern Mississippi and Florida State University.  He is a veteran of the United States Air Force.

Ralph served as scientific manager within the Directorate of Computer Science at Eglin Air Force Base. He served as Chief of the Test Division and the Computer Division; Chief of Analysis; Chief of Advanced Technology; Assistant Director and Director of Computer Sciences.  Upon retirement from the Federal/Civil Service, he worked for TYBRIN Corporation for 15 years serving as the Eglin Contract Manager.  He also became an advocate of the Government’s Stay in School and Cooperative Education programs.  He made use of these programs to give young students a quality start in mathematics, engineering and computer science.

He was a devoted family man and loved his Lord and his church family.  Ralph also had a great love of sports and spent much of his spare time for over five decades coaching many generations of area youth.  He was selected as the recipient of the Al Byrne Award for his efforts and dedication with youth sports to which he was deeply honored.  In 1978, he was inducted into the Florida State Hall of Fame by Commissioner William Vickery for years of volunteer service to youth athletics.  He was a huge influence on many young men, teaching more than winning in sports, with values carrying over in life.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 until noon prior to church services at the First United Methodist Church in Ft. Walton Beach, Monday, August 13.  Services will begin at 12:00 with Pastors Dave Barkalow and Jimmie Whited officiating.  Interment will follow in Beal Cemetery.  Davis Watkins is in charge of arrangements.

Ralph is survived by his children, Karen Duncan Sedlecky (Alex); Kim Duncan (Barbara); Jodi Duncan Gerkin (Jim); Grandchildren, Holley Gordon (Stan); Ryan Black (Krystal); Ricki Lawson (Chad); Reece Duncan (Gina); Burton, Duncan, & Jacqulin Gerkin; Great Grandchildren, Samantha Dixon (Garrett); Hunter Dixon, and Amanda Averett (Jonathan); and GG Grandchildren, Blakely Gordon, Levi and Emmy Averett; Sisters, Wyn Duncan Martin (Marty); and Diane Duncan Webber (Ed); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Jacqulin of 64 years; his parents, Tom and Verona Deaton Duncan, his step mother, Faye Dulaney Duncan; his brother and sister-in-law, Tom and Bobbie Ables Duncan; and nephew, Tommy Duncan.

Pallbearers will be Ryan Black, Reece Duncan, Burton Gerkin, Duncan Gerkin, Jim Gerkin, and Hunter Dixon.

Much appreciation is given to Emerald Coast Hospice, and caregivers, Rey, Alice, and Cassie with special appreciation to Amber for her devotion and care for the past three years.

A thank you to Malcolm Hayles’ Sunday School Class for continued love and support with special gratitude to Lily Revette.