Kenneth Ray Duke

Kenneth Ray Duke, age 76, of Arkadelphia, passed from this life on Monday, October 24, 2016 at his home. He was born August 2, 1940 in Falcon, Ark., the son of the late Ira Wootson Duke and Leola Vines Duke Carlton. Ray was a 1959 graduate of Hope High School. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf and officiating football and basketball games. Ray officiated basketball for over 46 years and football for over 35 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Darlene Sinyard. Ray is survived by his wife of fifty-three years, Bettie Rateliff Duke of the home, two daughters, Dana (Don) Spickes and Christy (Andy) Russell both of Rogers, one son, Ken (Michelle) Duke of Stuart, Fla., nine grandchildren, Brandon, Jeremy and Daniel Spickes, Zachary, Payton and Bailee Russell, and Ashleigh and Lauren Duke and Candice (Jon) Watson, one brother in law, L.A. Sinyard of Hope, two nieces, Sandy (Jack ) Dougan of Emmett and Susie (Mike) Butler of Arkadelphia. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Trinity Temple Assembly of God Church in Arkadelphia, with Bro. Rick Mays officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the church. Memorials may be made to Group Living, P.O. Box 159, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923, Ouachita Baptist University, 410 Ouachita Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923, The Ken Duke Golf Center at Henderson State University, 1100 Henderson Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923 or Trinity Temple Assembly of God Church, 3509 Pine Street, Arkadelphia, Ark. 71923. Final arrangements are entrusted to The Welch Funeral Home of Arkadelphia. Visit www.welchfh.net to sign the guest book and view the video tribute.