John Rufus Duke Jr.

John (Johnny) Rufus Duke, Jr., 77, of Brandon, Mississippi, passed away from a brain hemorrhage while surrounded by family on Thursday July 17, 2025, at 10:00 p.m. in Bossier City, Louisiana, at Willis Knighton Health Center.

Born on April 13, 1948, in Linden, Alabama, Johnny was the beloved oldest child of John R. and Helen Phillips Duke of Newton, Mississippi.

Johnny was a graduate of Mississippi State University with a degree in Landscape Architecture. He worked for over 50 years in the landscape business, retiring from Outdoor Solutions in Brandon, Mississippi.

Johnny has been a faithful member of Crossgates Baptist Church for over 20 years. Those who knew him will remember his love for the Lord, his unique sense of humor, and his love for camping, especially out west.

Cargo trailer conversion had become a loved hobby of Johnny and Jan’s and enabled them to boondock all over the US. The last camping adventure they took had them on his bucket list trip out west to see Jarbidge, Nevada, and ended abruptly in Bossier City, Louisiana. This was their trip of a lifetime.

Johnny is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jan Wagner Duke. He was the amazing father of three daughters, Paige Duke Tirone (Joseph), Tonya Duke Rivers, and Ginger Duke McKenzie (Danny); his grandchildren, Nick Tirone (Elizabeth), William Tirone, John Tirone (Eden), Ashley Rivers, Amber Rivers, Baker McKenzie, and Sidney McKenzie; his great grandchildren, Brooklyn Tirone and Mason Tirone; his brother, Mike Duke (Kathleen); as well as a host of extended family members.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents, John R. Duke, Sr. and Helen Phillips Duke, as well as his sister, Betty Duke Vance (James).

Visitation will be at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, Mississippi, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the funeral home chapel. Johnny will be laid to rest at the Natchez Trace Memorial Park Cemetery in Madison, Mississippi.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Now4Next at Crossgates Baptist Church in Brandon.

To view the service by livestream, please use the following link: https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=1f85519c-e2e2-4a73-84d4-0b12f9acdafe