Ronnie E. Duke Jr.

Ronnie Duke, Jr. was born on September 1, 1963, in Conway, Arkansas, to Ronnie Sr. and Jane Gwatney Duke. Ron Ron, as he was affectionally known, was a natural comedian with a sense of humor and great work ethic. He never met a stranger and was never at a loss for words.

Ronnie’s first job, while in the six grade, was selling Watkins products door to door. His bestselling item was Watkins vanilla flavoring. His next job was growing and selling watermelons at his house on south Center Street where he became known as the watermelon man. His most enjoyable and entertaining job was during high school when he worked for Frank Brannon Jr. at the well-known Frank Brannon’s Drive-In in Conway. Ron Ron enjoyed this job so much he often said he would’ve worked there for free. Who can forget hearing Frank’s voice in the drive-thru speaker saying, “order please”. Ronnie also worked as a dispatcher at Shreve Transit for the family of Wallace Brown, Brenda and Bill Autry, and in the restaurant business for several years. His last adventure was as a chef at Mountaineer Resort in West Virginia.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Leo and Grace Duke, and Chester and Mary Gwatney. In addition to his parents, he is survived by sister, Annette (Troy) Rice; brother, Jeff (Lori) Duke; daughter, Emily (Brandon) Sebor; son, Cameron (Anna) Duke; grandchildren, Brayden Wilson and Coralee Sebor, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. Ronnie will be greatly missed.

A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Griffin Leggett Funeral Home in Conway, Arkansas at 3 p.m. Casual dress is requested.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Arkansas Sheriff’s Youth Ranches, PO Box 3964
Batesville, AR 72503. www.griffinleggettconway.com.