Samuel Walter Duncan Jr., age 56 of Murphy was called home by his Heavenly Father on August 27, 2021. Born to the late Treacy Nugent Tathum, and Samuel W. Duncan Sr. on September 25, 1964. He was a 1983 MHS graduate, attended Brevard College, received a BA from UNC Asheville in 1990 in biology. His deteriorating vision and love to work with his hands led him into the field of heating and air. He passed the test for his HVAC license in 1996, establishing Duncan Heating and Air as a division of Duncan Oil Company.
Sam had an infectious laugh that could be heard before he entered a room and always had a smile on his face. He was known for making any task given a fun adventure. Many people didn’t realize that he was born with RP (a vision impairment) because he lived by Philippians 4:13 and let nothing stand in his way. He was voted most talented by his classmates, started a competitive pep band in college, played in several church praise bands, enjoyed water skiing, scuba diving, waterfall hiking, riding and working on his dune buggy, and mentoring Boy Scouts. He loved taking things apart to “see how it worked” and he wasn’t afraid of hard work. He could often be seen with his dad and brothers many Saturdays out working in the community.
Surviving are his wife Karen, of almost 29 years (9-12-92), his father and stepmom Sam Duncan Sr, and Martha Duncan, two daughters Kiwi Hancock and husband Micah, Hayley Blackwell and husband Gryphen, two grandchildren Mayan and Ella Swint, two brothers Jim Duncan and wife, Andria and Michael Duncan. Nephew Harrison Duncan, who he had worked with for the last 5 years training to follow in his footsteps, and 11 other nephews, nieces, his uncle John Duncan, and a host of cousins, and 20 plus years of customers all over the Tri-State area that he considered family.
Celebration of Life was held at 3:00 pm Thursday. September 02, 2021 at Shepherd of the Mountain with Pastor Chris West officiating. Interment was at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with Reverend Larry Shope officiating at the graveside. Pallbearers were Tommy Adams, Josh Cannon, Scott Rogers, Jeremy Stiles, Matt Hughes, and Charles “Buck” Shope. Honorary pallbearers were Mark Carlson, Reggie Bryson, Mike Bryson, Shaun Hampton, Greg Scaglione, Allen Crisp, and Matt Allman.
The family received friends from 1:00-3:00 pm Thursday at the Shepherd of the Mountain prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Gideons, Shriners Children’s Hospital, or the Christian Services for the Blind and Hearing Impaired.
Townson-Rose Funeral Home in Murphy is in charge of all arrangements.
You may send tributes to the family at
www.townson-rose.com
Elbert Edwin Timpson 
