Pastor Earnest "Earnie" Duncan, Sr.

Pastor Earnest Duncan, Sr. was born to Mrs. Lee Ola Duncan and the late Mr. Eddie Duncan, Jr. October 26, 1952 in Thomasville, GA.

At the age of 16, Earnest left his home in Thomas County to come to Valdosta and he started working as a dishwasher at VSU in 1970. He spent much of his time watching the other chefs because cooking was something he dreamed of doing. After six months at college in Tennessee, he’d return to Valdosta to work in their food services department where he would be crowned the “Chicken King!”

After working in Food Service for many years, “Earnie” as he was fondly called needed a change. He got that opportunity about 20 years ago when he was transferred to the Catering Department. He served a number of VSU presidents and a multitude of famous guests including Bob Hope, Bill Cosby and Ronald Reagan. “Earnie” was so loved on the VSU campus– a die hard Blazer, friend and mentor.

He was many things—a chef, a father, a brother, an uncle, a preacher, and a pastor.

Over 35 years ago, the Lord spoke to Greater St. Mark Full Gospel Church saying, “And I will give you a pastor according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding”, I shall give to you, Pastor Earnest Duncan, Sr. He was an upright man who endeavored to keep the bond of peace.

In addition to this father, he is preceded in death by three sisters: Lizzie Duncan, Loretha Duncan-Hitson and Maeve Duncan; seven brothers: Timothy Duncan, Samuel Duncan, Jabo Duncan, R.D. Duncan, A.C. Duncan, Louis Duncan and Nathaniel Duncan; grandparents: Eddie Duncan, Sr., Winnie Duncan, Daisey Bush and Herbert Jeff; and a host of aunts and uncles.

Earnest leaves to cherish his memories eight children: Pamela Harris (Mike), Earnest Duncan, Jr., Jannie Duncan (Tony), Michael Duncan, Jarvis Duncan, Shanika Duncan, Daniel Duncan and Travis Lewis; three sisters: Doretha Duncan, Geraldine Duncan-Cowart (Terry), and Geneva Duncan; four brothers: Eddie Duncan III (Dedra), Ron Duncan, Ronald Duncan (Arlene) and Fred Duncan; three special nephews: Shedrick Duncan (Nicole), Lee NeeSmith and Charles Duncan; close friends: Regina Lee, Joyce Gates, Debbie Conrad, Mary Delorge, Deacon James M. Spencer, Pastor John Moore, Marida Wolfe and the Lewis family; thirteen grandchildren; eight sisters in-law; four brothers in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends.

The homegoing celebration for the late Pastor Earnest Duncan, Sr., will be held Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 3:00pm from the sanctuary of New Life Ministries Church.

Pastor John Moore will officiate.

Public viewing will be held Thursday,from 3:00pm-6:00pm, Friday, 9:00am-4:00pm and Saturday from 9:00am - 12:00pm at the Godfrey Funeral Home Chapel.

The family will receive friends Friday, at Greater St. Mark Full Gospel Church in Adel, GA from 5:00pm-8:00pm.