Brode Thomas Duke Jr

Brode Thomas Duke, Junior of Mint Hill, NC, formerly of Charlotte, passed away peacefully early Friday morning, November 24, 2017. Brode was born January 7, 1924, in Northampton County, N.C., the only son of Nina Wynne Duke and Brode Thomas Duke, senior. He graduated Jackson High School, and attended Edwards Military Institute in Salemburg, North Carolina. Brode was enrolled in NC State University when he joined the Army Air Corps to become a Navigator aboard a B17 bomber with the 447th Bomb Group. Following his service in Europe with “the Mighty Eighth Air Force” during WWII, he graduated UNC-Chapel Hill and was summoned back to the Air Force to serve again – this time as a Navigator in the skies over Korea. After 21 months in the Pacific Rim, he returned home to his wife and young son and resumed his service in the Air Force Reserves, reaching the rank of Major before retiring after 25 years. Brode was employed with Wachovia Bank and Trust (now Wells Fargo) as an accountant in Winston-Salem and later in Charlotte. After 12 years in the banking industry, he joined Wikoff Color Corporation where he was the Corporate Secretary for 26 years. On December 20, 1947, Brode married Helen Edwards Daughtry, a union that lasted just shy of 70 years. Helen survives Brode, as do sons Brode Thomas “Tom” Duke, III, (Katrina Ross) and William Keith Duke (Jeannine), as well as daughter Katherine Anne Duke (David Karten). Brode was blessed with nine grandchildren: Erin Mellette Duke, Julie Elizabeth Duke, Johnathon Michael Duke (Angela), Jeremy Christopher Duke (Erica), Anna Pauline Duke, Dylan Isaac Karten, and Kelilah Rae Karten, Allyson Ross Cathey (Eric), and Bryan Patrick Ross. He was fortunate to get to meet his great grandchildren, Elijah Sebastian Duke, Nolan James Duke and Ross Franklin Cathey. Brode was preceded in death by his sisters Adelaide D. Fuller, Grace D. Parker, Clarine D. Knight, Naomi D. Bridgers, and Page D. Thompson. Brode and his family joined Trinity Presbyterian Church shortly after moving to Charlotte in 1959. He was a very active parishioner, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, Elder, Church Treasurer and in numerous other positions. In addition to working hard, Brode enjoyed playing golf and serving on the Board of Directors and as an Officer of the Queen City Optimist Club, where he was a long-time member. He also enjoyed volunteering for Friendship Trays for many years. Services for Brode will be held on December 16, 2017 in the Chapel of the Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home in Mint Hill, NC, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation preceding the service at 10:00 a.m. Memorials may be given to Novant Health Hospice & Palliative Care, 324 N. McDowell St., Charlotte, NC 28204-2217. The family extends a special thanks to the Willow Grove staff and to Brode’s caregivers- Angela, Beth, Brittany, Cindy, Cissie, Cynthia, Debbie, Jessica and Michelle.

Brode Thomas Duke Jr

January 7, 1924 - November 24, 2017