Charles Pippin Duncan

Charles P. Duncan, age 85, of Spruce Pine, NC, passed away on May 19, 2022 surrounded by his beloved wife and family. His battle with Parkinson’s disease in recent years reflected his strength and grace in facing life’s challenges with a smile and a loving heart. After graduating from Harris High School and attending Lees-McRae College, Charles married the love of his life, Norma. They have two children, Brynne Charles Duncan and Constance Duncan Heseltine. Charles and Norma put God first in their lives and shared 64 wonderful years of marriage. Charles was a loving and gentle husband, a father whose children always knew they were greatly blessed and loved, a brother whose siblings looked up to him and adored him, and a grandfather whose grandchildren always thought he was simply the best, the kindest, and the most fun grandfather ever.

Charles honored his country with two terms of service in the United States Army. He consistently supported his community and served many years as a Deacon in his church, Spruce Pine First Baptist, where he also volunteered in the youth department as a teacher, leader, and bus driver. Charles was a member of the Spruce Pine Optimist Club, where he served a term as Chapter President and was instrumental in securing funding for Brad Reagan Memorial Recreation Park. In 1977, he was awarded a lifetime membership of the Optimist Club International organization. He promoted and supported the Little League Youth programs and volunteered as clock operator for Mitchell High School and Harris Middle School football games, where he seldom missed a game. For many years Charles worked at Mineral City Motors in Spruce Pine with his dear friend, Howard Henline. He also served a term on the Spruce Pine Zoning Committee. Recently he completed 12 years as Alternate to the North Carolina Senior Tarheel Legislature. Charles was an avid UNC Tarheels fan, and made countless trips to Chapel Hill to attend games.

Charles was predeceased by his parents, Floyd and Pansy Grindstaff Duncan; brother, William Ray Duncan; best friend, L.C. Burnette. Those left behind to cherish his memory include his wife Norma Hefner Duncan of the home; son Brynne Charles Duncan and wife Janie Thomas Duncan of Spruce Pine, NC; daughter Constance Duncan Heseltine and husband Scott Heseltine of Mebane, NC; sister Kathleen Duncan Bowman and husband Tony Bowman of Jonesboro, TN; grandchildren Brynne Charles Duncan, II and wife Rachael Waterson Duncan of Salida, CO, Brandon Clifton Duncan of Spruce Pine, NC, Benjamin Christopher Duncan of Asheville, NC, and Holly Perry Maynor of Spruce Pine, NC; great grandchildren Charles Thomas Duncan, William Michael Duncan, Luna Preston Perry, and Macey Ann Maynor.

The family will receive friends on June 5, 2022 from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm at Spruce Pine First Baptist Church, 125 Tappan Street, Spruce Pine, NC 28777. A Celebration of Life service will immediately follow with Reverends Rocky Branch, Vince Hefner, and Jim Sutton officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice and Home Care of the Blue Ridge, 236 Hospital Drive, Spruce Pine, NC 28777