of Searcy, AR
September 12, 1938 - September 1, 2022
Rodger Willis Duncan, a retired auto dealer, cattle farmer and avid golfer, died Sept. 1, 2022 in his Searcy home. He was 83.
Born September 12, 1938 to Vernon W. and Wyndelene Holmes Duncan, he was the oldest of three children and the only one born at home, inside a rock house built on the hillside in 1918. Holmes Road was named for his grandparents.
Rodger was a graduate of Searcy High School, where he played on the football team and attended the University of Arkansas, where he pledged the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. His college education was interrupted by the crisis at Central High School when he was called up as a National Guardsman by the governor to report to Little Rock.
All his adult life, he worked alongside his siblings and father at Duncan Chrysler-Plymouth-Jeep in Searcy, which his father founded as V.W. Duncan Used Cars. The dealership thrived and expanded to include new and used vehicles at its location on East Race Avenue until the family looked to retirement and sold the business in 2005.
In retirement, Rodger doubled down on golf and played as many as six days a week. He was an early member of the Searcy Country Club, having received a gift membership in 1964 as a non-golfer. He caught on to the sport quickly. He served as the president of the Searcy Country Club in 1995 and played in every tournament he could until his health failed. He won the Club Championship in 2007 at age 69.
As a hobby, Rodger managed a small herd of cattle, something his father used to do. He enjoyed mornings on the farm, feeding cows, cutting brush and maintaining the pastureland that was within view of his childhood home. He made friends of all ages and was known for his easygoing sociability. A devoted sports fan, he was a parent/coach who helped get Searcy's first PeeWee football league off the ground.
At social events with live music, he was popular on the dance floor, having learned dance moves as a young man and perfecting them over time.
He adored his children and grandchildren and took his wife out on a date every Saturday night.
Rodger was preceded in death by his mother and father; his younger brother, Montie Wayne Duncan; a stepson, Michael Paul Smith and a nephew, Lance Heath Duncan.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara Smith Duncan; his sister, Barbara Duncan Wilson (Jim); his sister-in-law, Marla Duncan; his son, Will Duncan (Cindy); his daughter, Lana Duncan Clark; his stepdaughter, Valerie Smith Canepa; a granddaughter, Libby Clark; a great-grand-daughter, Presley Clark; grandsons, Michael Duncan and Andrew Duncan; nieces, Shay Wilson Raycher, Nicole Wilson Slough (T.J.) and many beloved cousins, far-flung and local.
His comfort during a long illness was made possible by his devoted caregivers: Phyllis Kurck, Nanci Morrison, April Kurck, Faye Johnson and his daughter, Lana Duncan Clark. He loved them back.
He was a Mason, a Shriner and a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.
Burial will be private with Bro. Bill Lyons officiating. There will be a visitation from 5 to 7 PM Thursday, September 8 at Roller-Daniel Funeral Home Chapel in Searcy. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to a favorite charity. Written memories about your friendship with Rodger are especially treasured and you can post them online or send them to the family through the funeral home.
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46 Condolence(s)
Fred S Whistle II
Sunday, October 30, 2022
I truly loved this man. He was my first football coach for the Duncan Chrysler Plymouth Roadrunners in the inaugural year (1969) of the Searcy Peewee Football program. In college and years after, I loved stopping by the dealership and visiting with Rodger, Coon, and Podunk. What a legendary family! I feel lucky to have known them.
James Duncan
Tuesday, October 18, 2022
Rodger was more than a cousin to us he was never too busy to stop and talk and laugh and tell a joke we loved him very much and no that everyone who knew him will miss him we're praying for all of the family and we were so sad to hear of his passing we love all of y'all and are praying for you Jimmy and Susie Duncan
Terri Brannon
Thursday, September 8, 2022
My deepest condolences to Miss Barbara, Lana, Will and the rest of the family who love Rodger so much.
I remember him being larger than Life, when I was just a kid hanging out with Lana, and into my adult years as well. He was one of a kind and I know he will be missed by everyone that had the pleasure of knowing him.
May you all find comfort in your fond memories of him.
Sincerely,
Terri L. Brannon
Judsonia, AR
Jennie Kittrell Holmes
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
Barbara, I brought you an old Galloway Yearbook some years ago and had been acquainted with Rodger back in 1959. I was sorry to read about him, but want the family to know, you could not have picked a better song for his memory video. It was most appropriate and should make us all feel better. I enjoyed reading the comments and am sorry for the families’ loss.
Christie Finley
Wednesday, September 7, 2022
So sorry for your loss. Rodger and the Duncan family was always so kind and supportive of my mom when she was sick. I will always remember the kindness Rodger gave to her. Many prayers in the days to come.
Hubert and Debbie Higgs
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Dear Barbara, we are so saddened by Rodger’s passing but thankful for the many happy memories we’ve shared over the years. The many golf tournaments, the fellowship at the golfers dinners and watching you two on the dance floor whirling and spinning and Rodger’s amazing footwork. And a shared secret of the best loan never made. Always, Hubert and Debbie
Jack Dunlap
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
My condolences to Mrs. Barbara and the family. I had the privilege of working with Mr. Duncan as a teenager at the car dealership on Saturdays when I moved here in 1984. I know he will be missed.
Fonda
Monday, September 5, 2022
💔 What an Honor to handle you preneed wishes at Roller, and be your friend for SO many years! Thank you Barbara and Rodger for allowing me to be a part of your lives! Lana, I absolutely ADORED your Daddy! 💔ðŸ™ðŸ»
James L Wyatt
Monday, September 5, 2022
Roger always seem to be in a good mood, I bought several cars from them but I was friends with the whole family from childhood !
So sorry for this another loss!
God bless each one!
Larry Leonard
Monday, September 5, 2022
Everyone who knew Rodger will miss him. He was a great person to be around. Really enjoyed our Three River Golf outings. Lots of really good memories of Rodger, Bob Cargile, Charlie Boggan, Jim Wilson and Myself playing in those outings.
Mark and Alice Lercher
Monday, September 5, 2022
Our hearts and prayers go out to Rodgers wife, Barbara, Valerie and all of Rodgers family. He was truly a wonderful and special man. He never met a stranger and always had time to stop and visit and make you laugh. We will miss him always taking time to visit with us, (when he came to the Remax office to take Barbara and Valerie to lunch) sharing his farm stories and laughs and always inviting us to lunch as well ! Such a great guy. We will surely miss him!!
Dora Dean Wilf
Monday, September 5, 2022
I first started seeing Roger when he would drop in at his daughter’s
Estate Sales- always joking with the ones working and items that were for sale
We would talk about cattle sometime
He loved his herd of cattle
Laughed about a cow getting a chair
stuck on her head
And a Bull that could nearly jump to the moon
So pleasant ,enjoying life so much until his health began to fail
I loved to hear about the special dinners
He planned for his precious wife
Barbara
Roger Dobbins
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Condolences to the Duncan and Wilson families.
Porter Rodgers
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Rodger was a friend to all. The world is a better place because he lived. My sincere condolences to the family.
Steven and Jowanda Holden
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Rodger was a fine man and friend that we will miss dearly. We have had the privilege of being part of the Duncan Crew for the past 8 yrs in their beloved car lot building. We looked forward to seeing Rodger on his morning rounds. He was always quick with a good story and that infectious grin. You are sorely missed and loved dearly Mr Rodger Duncan. Rest easyâ¤ï¸â¤ï¸â¤ï¸
Betty Beck
Sunday, September 4, 2022
I was a private caregiver for Rodger's nephew Lance Duncan until his death. Lance loved his Uncle Rodger's visits almost every weekend. Rodger would "remember when" with Lance to many good times he shared with his grandparents and family. They had a very special relationship. It makes me smile to think of their Heavenly reunion with "Coon", Vernon and Winnie. Prayers for peace and comfort for all the Duncan and Wilson families.
Rebekah Brown Lewis
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Barbara I am so sorry to hear of Rodger's passing.
Jerry Evans
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Condolences to Lana and Will at this time of loss.
Joan Russell
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Thoughts and prayers for Barbara and All of Rodger's family.
Tom Quattlebaum
Sunday, September 4, 2022
Rodger was a Great guy and I was glad to be one of his friends. My thoughts and prayers are with Barbara and his family.
Sheila (Person) Blindman
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Thank you for the video! I watched it twice, and I am sure I will watch it again. The Duncans and Wilsons have always been a part of my extended family. All of the grown-ups always treated me like I was their age, even as a very little girl. They always allowed me to eat at the "big table," which I especially loved on Saturday nights at SCC. Thank you so much, Mrs. Barbara, for letting me see him when I was there a few weeks ago. It was a huge blessing. He was so kind to me when God took Daddy, and now they are having fun again. I will always remember his smile and his laugh. I never saw him when he wasn't smiling and making others laugh. It would be our true pleasure to have any of you visit us at any time. Love and prayers from Sheila and Scott
Debra Wilson
Saturday, September 3, 2022
I’m not family but love Barbara and Rodger. I watched quietly as Barbara cared for him, managing excellent care for him during his illness and she did a great job! Thankful for the 54 years the two spent together. That speaks volumes for the love they shared. Sending my love to the family during this time of grief. 💕
Liz Howell
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Our hearts and prayers are with you. May God provide you comfort as you remember Rodger and a life well lived.
Love,
Liz and Charlie Howell
Stephanie Robbins
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Bobbie Andrews
Saturday, September 3, 2022
I was sorry to hear about Rodger. Sounds like he had a full and interesting life and I know he will be missed
Sonny and Sue Ekdahl
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Deepest sympathy to you from Sonny and Sue Ekdahl, whom have claimed Roger as a good friend for many years. Sonny and Roger became friends as freshman at the University of Arkansas, pledged same fraternity, double dated in Rogers fancy car, joined the National Guard and remained friends all these years. Roger was instrumental in my growing up from the many times I spent the night with Barbara when we were in high school. We have both been blessed by our friendship with the Duncan Family and Brent and Will are best friends today. . . . May God grant you peace during these sad days.
Sincere Love,
Sue and Sonny
Shae McMillion
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Your family is in our thoughts and prayers!! May God wrap His arms around you and comfort you!ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Leah Brooks
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Truly sorry to hear of Mr. Duncan's passing; condolences to both families.
Cindi greer
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Aunt Barbara and family I am so sorry for your loss. I remember him as a sweet fun guy. My love to you and family.
Tamara & Teresa Jackson-Mitchell
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Barbara, we send you our sincere condolences in the loss of Roger. We also send our sympathies to your family as well. May you all find peace during a difficult time.
Don James
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Lana & Barbara, I’m so sorry to hear about Rodger! We had such great times on the car lot when dad worked there, Vernon, Rodger & Coon would always tease me about my love life with the girls! The whole family had such great personalities, always happy & keeping people laughing! I know he will b missed dearly! Praying for all of you!!
Darren Sanderson
Saturday, September 3, 2022
I’m so sad to hear of his passing. As a young man played PeeWee Football on the Duncan Road Runners team. Later when I worked at RE/MAX with Barbara, Rodger loaned us a brand new red Jeep Wrangler to drive in the White County Fair Parade with the big RE/MAX ballon mascot hanging on in the back. Rodger always had a story and a smile. Love and hugs to Barbara and the rest of the family.
Jo and Buddy Diebold0
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Barbara, family and friends: Roger will be well remembered by all his Pike friends during his time at the UofA.
Our condolences at this time. We'll soon be joining Roger and enjoying 😉 past times together â¤ï¸.
Lanell and Eldon England
Saturday, September 3, 2022
So sorry for your loss!! Praying for all your family!!
Jeff and Carrie Steele
Saturday, September 3, 2022
We are so sorry for your loss.
Rosie Clegg
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Barbara I am so sorry for your loss. Hugs and love to you sweet lady!
Melanie (Cranford) Frederick
Saturday, September 3, 2022
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Judy Maddox
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this most difficult time ðŸ™. Judy and Bob Maddox
Jim Berkley
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Thinking of Barbara and family at this time.
Jennifer Brown
Saturday, September 3, 2022
Rodger & Barbara were part of my village in 1980s college years. He was a true bon vivante and hep cat even when I got to see him in recent years. A lovely man.
Karen Webb
Saturday, September 3, 2022
My deepest sympathy for the loss of such a beloved man.
Mark Canepa
Saturday, September 3, 2022
A kind-hearted, witty, wonderful man who was a great storyteller and who had the ability to make everyone around him feel at home. His sense of humor and laughter will be missed by all. It was a privilege to know him. God bless you, Rodger, may you rest in peace. You will always be remembered.
Jim Bohannon
Saturday, September 3, 2022
So sad to hear of Rodger's passing. He was a dear friend since our high school days. Served together in the Army National Guard. He will be missed. My sympathy to his family. Jim Bohannon
Ruthann fuller
Friday, September 2, 2022
Barbara, I am thinking of you during this very sad time. Rodgers will be missed by many.
Irene Gray
Friday, September 2, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Duncan and Wilson families. Prayers for all of you.
Irene Gray
Jo Ann Roth Cooper
Friday, September 2, 2022
My sympathy to Roger’s family. May he be in peace.