Graham Thomas Duke, 25, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 18, 2020.
Born March 29, 1995, in Columbia, he was a son of James Albert Smith, Jr. and Laura Duke Smith. Graham was a rare gift, a treasure to all those who were a part of his life. Graham was his older sister’s first baby, whom she cherished and loved. He was a big brother to Garrett and Ethan, who he always tried to give guidance and advice to. He loved and cherished Amanda and Nicholas from the day they joined the family. He was the beloved grandson to Angela and David Duke, who loved him unconditionally and whom they poured their heart and soul. Graham loved his friends, especially his lifelong friend, Joseph LeGrand. He had a gift for sharing whatever was on his mind and loved joking around with those he cared about, especially if he was able to get a good laugh out of them. He was empathetic and had the innate ability to see the good in those around him and genuinely wanted them to succeed. The light in his eyes was a mirror into his heart of gold and outgoing personality. Graham would often throw one arm around your shoulder and give a warm side hug just to let you know that he was there and cared. He never met a stranger and loved to talk. Graham was passionate and “all in”. Whether it was baseball or deciding on his next move in life, when he decided to do something, he poured out his whole heart into it without hesitation. He loved the Lord with an unwavering dedication that we should all strive to have. Other than his love for the Lord, Graham loved his family more than anything else. There was a special place in his heart for his nieces, nephews and cousins, and he was looking forward to the birth of his new nephew. Graham, we will miss you more than words can describe. Our lives will never be the same without you. We will forever miss your outgoing personality, smile and love for life. It still doesn’t seem real that you will not be at family barbecues, birthdays, holidays and other celebrations. While we don’t understand why you were taken home so soon, we are comforted knowing that any struggles that you had on this earth are no comparison to the eternal joy and peace you now have in Heaven. We look forward to the day where we will see you again. You are forever in our hearts and lives. Our sunshine, you will always be.
He is survived by his parents of Columbia; maternal grandparents, David Joseph Duke, Sr. and Angela Evans Duke; siblings, Lauren Roberts (Greg), Nicholas Smith (Lauren), Amanda McLane (Michael), William Hunter (Olivia) and Ethan Hunter; nephews, Russell Roberts, Bryce McLane, Fuller McLane and Malaki Hunter; nieces, Peyton Roberts and Margaret McLane; maternal uncle, David “Jody” Duke (Christie); cousins, Madison Duke and David Duke.
He was preceded in death by his cousin, McKenzie Leigh Duke.
A private graveside service will be held at Clarendon Memorial Gardens in Manning.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oliver Gospel Men’s Program, www.olivergospel.org.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
