of Batesville, AR
September 2, 1941 - July 24, 2020
Raymond "Butch" Pratt Duncan Jr. of Batesville, Arkansas peacefully passed away on Friday, July 24th.
Born in Batesville, Arkansas on September 2nd of 1941, he was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Duncan and Maxine Sims Duncan, both originally from Batesville, Arkansas. He is survived by his spouse, Beverly Duncan; two sisters, Delorith ''Sissy'' Rogers and Carolyn Duncan Saffell (Phil); one brother, Tommy Duncan (Cheryl); three sons, Blake Duncan (Jennifer) Bart Duncan (Janice), and Brad Boyd (Pam); and four grandchildren, Lindsay Duncan, Tyler Duncan (Bethany), Cole Duncan, and Chase Duncan.
At an early age in his life, he was given the name Butch, a name that will be remembered by so many people that he touched during his life long journey. A graduate of Batesville High School and then Arkansas College at Batesville, Butch went into a 14 year coaching career at many great Arkansas schools including Newport, Texarkana, Magnet Grove, Paragould, and Stuttgart. He had very successful winning teams while mostly specializing in coaching defense. Butch was loved by his players at all schools and by many other coaches and teachers.
At Stuttgart, Arkansas, he began a 42 year career with Farm Bureau Insurance Company, quickly advancing to become a manager. Much of his insurance career was in his hometown of Batesville. He had much success in the insurance industry and forged many great relationships within Farm Bureau all over the state.
Butch loved his family greatly and was very proud of his children and grandchildren for all of their accomplishments. He and Beverly loved to travel, golf tournaments, horse racing, and following the Arkansas Razorbacks. Many great relationships were formed in those areas. He touched so many lives and created laughter wherever he went. Never meeting a stranger, Butch had dear friends all over the world.
A private family graveside service will be held on Tuesday, July 28th in Batesville, Arkansas with a large celebration of his life at a later date.
The family wishes to thank the incredible number of people that have called, text, and posted their heartfelt love for Raymond "Butch" Duncan. It has been truly amazing and a blessing to all of them.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Susan G. Komen foundation at 904 Autumn Rd #500, Little Rock, AR 72211 or online at www.komenarkansas.org.
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62 Condolence(s)
Tommy Estes
Saturday, July 10, 2021
I just learned of Butch's passing a few minutes ago and I'm saddened by this news. I considered him a true friend and one of the finest individuals I ever had the privilege to know.
Shauna Tipton
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
There are so many things I can say about Butch. He could bring any room to life and have everyone smiling and laughing. It was hard not to have fun when Butch was around. He also had a heart of gold and would have done anything for any of us. Ray knew him for many years before Farm Bureau and thought the world of him. He will always hold a special place in our heart. We will always miss him and are praying for Beverly, Blake and Bart as well as all of the family.
Bart Duncan
Thursday, August 6, 2020
Thanks so much for all of your heartfelt messages we truly appreciate everyone of them! If we can touch have as many lives as Dad did we'll be truly blessed! Stay safe!
Beverly, Blake and Bart Duncan
David & Debbie Gibbs
Sunday, August 2, 2020
Extending sincere sympathy in the loss of your loved one. Praying you are comforted by wonderful memories of Butch.
We remember him as being a great guy. He made us laugh!
May God bless you all during this difficult time.
Georgia Prichard
Thursday, July 30, 2020
Butch was one of the most loyal friends I have ever had. Heaven has gained the best friend you could ever ask for!
Keith Woosley
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Butch and I coached together at Stuttgart.He was truly one of a kind and a fun guy to be around and work with.We shared a coaching office and as we all know Butch was into horse racing in a big way.I was not allowed to make any noise while the scratches were being announced on the radio.He would give me a look if he couldn't hear the scratch announcements.
Another funny story on Butch and the races.Butch had someone call the office and send a message to him in the gym that his mother was sick and he needed to leave to go check on her.I guess she was sick at the races in Hot springs because that is where Butch ran into one of the Stuttgart School Board members.As always he was able to talk his way out of trouble yet again.
Rest in peace Butch and I hope you get your scratch sheet right and make lots of money.
Rodney, Lacrisha, Caden & Easton Griffin
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Angie Townsend
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
I will truly miss this man. He could tell the best stories and give the best hugs.
Howard & Mary Ann Haley
Tuesday, July 28, 2020
Beverly and all the family, we were so sorry to learn that our friend, Butch passed away. We have known him since grade school and he will certainly be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are for all of you at this sad time.
Molly Travis Mcgonigal
Monday, July 27, 2020
Prayers for you all. The Travis family have a special place in our hearts for him. He will be missed. God be with you all.
Janie Blagg
Monday, July 27, 2020
My condolences to the family. He will be remembered as a big part of Newport High School.
Shane Brosh
Monday, July 27, 2020
Prayers to Beverly and the family. I will always treasure the times that I was able to share with Coach “Butchâ€
He took me under his wing as a young boy. I’ll never forget being his “towel boy†as a young kid for the Greyhound basketball team. Wow, did I learn a lot from my buddy!
I don’t remember a time that we didn’t share a laugh every time we were together! Butch was a very special friend and he will be missed dearly!
Neal Galloway
Monday, July 27, 2020
Great coach and someone I feel fortunate to have known even for a short time.
Wade and Katie Hooper
Monday, July 27, 2020
You will be missed by many. Cheers my friend.
Patric Brosh
Monday, July 27, 2020
Butch was indeed a “one of a kind†!
Everyone loved Butch. He had a great way of making you feel special every time you spoke to him.
From the first time I met him in high school sports, until the last time I ran into Beverly and him @ Josie’s in Batesville, we always had great conversations and lots of laughter. We will all miss that “bigger than life†personality!
Cheers to Butch.
Patric Brosh
Larry. Long
Monday, July 27, 2020
Great coach. Great man. Great friend.
Steve Stinnett
Monday, July 27, 2020
Coach we had many fond memories at ASU you will truly missed by all who new you. RIP
Steve
Judy Wallis Stone
Monday, July 27, 2020
My condolences to the family. I am so sorry for your loss. My parents were close friends with Butch's parents gathering weekly to play music "back in the day". His sister, Carolyn and I were friends when both of our daughter's were young. This family will always be special to me. Butch was good at making people laugh and I know his family and friends will miss him a great deal.
Bill Estes Janet Tosh
Monday, July 27, 2020
Butch will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Jerry N Shipman
Monday, July 27, 2020
Truly one of a kind, never met a stranger. He will truly be missed.
Brenda Edmonson
Monday, July 27, 2020
Our love and prayers! So very sorry, Beverly, for your loss.
Larry Crain
Monday, July 27, 2020
I knew Butch from rivalry between Searcy and Batesville during our high school days from the fifties. He was always quick to remember and kid. Please accept my condolences to the family.
Ginger Hicks
Monday, July 27, 2020
Blake and family I am so sorry for your loss. Butch was such a joy to know and work with during my years at Farm Bureau. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. God blessðŸ™ðŸ»âœï¸
Beth Newell Drake
Monday, July 27, 2020
Coach Butch Duncan was a wonderful man. He was loving, caring, and oh so much fun!! I’m thankful for the NHS years and for every time our paths have crossed over the years.
Lynda Matthews Burke
Monday, July 27, 2020
I graduated Newport High in 1970. One of my favorite teachers there was Coach Duncan. I had him in Study Hall and he made that dull class fun. He was someone who when you think of makes you smile. So sorry for everyones loss
Monday, July 27, 2020
So very sorry to hear this news. My sincere heartfelt condolences to the Duncan family!
Janis Walmsley
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Beverly and boys. Bill and I are so sorry for the loss in this world for butch. We have so many great memories and lots of good times. Bill and butch go back to fresh men at Arkansas college and then together with Beverly and me as couples in fun horse racing. Our boys were special to all of us. Lots of stories .. Some able to be shared and some we won’t tell. We are thinking of all of you
Michael Duncan
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Butch was one of ALL our favorites! Laughter was always abundant when you were around him. Even just the retelling of a Butch story brought smiles and laughter for our family.
Peace and love to all the family.
Junior and Mary(Smith) Baker
Sunday, July 26, 2020
We have many very special memories of Coach Duncan from our years at Newport High School. He was full of life.
Moorene Newton Massey
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Thinking of you at this sad time! Butch was a longtime friend and was loved by everyone. He will certainly be missed.
Love and affection,
Moorene
Jon Court
Sunday, July 26, 2020
God Bless Beverly and the Family of a Great Man.
Doug & Pat Hill
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Thinking of the family , we will keep you in our prayers.
Shana Roig
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Beverly,Blake and the the rest of family,
What a legacy one of the good ones left behind. I loved Butch and forever grateful that I was his friend. Prayers and hugs to all of you.
Jon and Debbie Perkin
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Susan Waldrip Jeffery
Sunday, July 26, 2020
My prayers are with Bev, Bart, Blake, and the family. Butch was one of a kind and loved by so many. He has left a hole that will never be filled. Carter and I had so much fun at golf tournaments with Butch and Bev. Great memories that will never be forgotten. My love to the family. May God bless you all.
Michael & Nancy Hilliard
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Rest in Peace Old Friend
Wanda Pomeroy
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Where to begin? Butch and Beverly were our neighbors for 14 years. You could not ask for better neighbors or friends. We never saw Butch that he didn’t get us to laughing, He was a rare individual and a wonderful comedian. Bob always told him he should take it on the road. We will always remember when he was safe on the stairs. We loved him and was ALWAYS happy to see him. We love you Beverly and will be praying for you and the family. Especially our son Bart.
RONNY W BROWN
Sunday, July 26, 2020
After finishing the Eighth (8) Grade at Batesville West Side we were combined City Wide in the Ninth (9) Grade and I met Butch. We became great friends, hanging out together, double dating, and many more great times through Batesville Pioneer (who never quits) High School and a year and a half at Lyon (Arkansas) College.
I always looked forward to our Class Get togethers throughout the years and visiting with Butch who was still a stand out at a fun party.
I wish God's richest blessings on the Family and may Butch now rest in peace.
Phyllis Watts
Sunday, July 26, 2020
I'm sorry for your loss. Praying for God's comfort during this time for you and your family.
Bridget Lambert
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Prayers for the family. He was a great man
Mike Langford
Sunday, July 26, 2020
Prayers. He was a classic. He will be missed.
Jana
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Always enjoyed Butch. Remember when y’all won the
Halloween costume for the Flintstones. So much laughter in our memories.
Love, Gary and Jana
Jennifer Hidy
Saturday, July 25, 2020
His smile and laughter will be greatly missed! Love and prayers to his wonderful family!
Jon & Jennifer Hidy
Nathan and Kimberly Crouch
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Jeremy Jeffery
Saturday, July 25, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Butch was an amazing man. It is hard to imagine Batesville without him.
Betty Burge Cockrill
Saturday, July 25, 2020
To all the Duncan family, I am so sorry to hear about Butch. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you. May God give you peace and comfort during the days ahead.
Stacy Whaley
Saturday, July 25, 2020
I loved Butch a lot, from our first meeting to our last he showed me love and kindness, he always made me laugh, he teased me bought me drinks and hugged me when I needed it. Butch showed everyone his love and mostly he loved his Beverly he will always be remembered.
Joan Davidson
Saturday, July 25, 2020
I have known Butch through my youth and adult life. I met him when my parents had insurance with him. He was a kind and caring man. He will be greatly missed. Prayers for you all, prayers for the repose of his soul. God's Blessings to you all.
Garry & Flo Steward
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Our prayers are with your family. So sorry for your loss
Gaylen & Debbie Gilbert
Saturday, July 25, 2020
We are so sorry to hear of the loss of Butch. Please know all of the family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time . We shared many good times on Farm Bureau Roundtables and Allstars with Butch and Bev along with Blake and Jen. Thankful for those Fun times and memories made. May God give you comfort today and the many days ahead.
Our love and prayers,
Gaylen & Debbie Gilbert
Charlene Barlow
Saturday, July 25, 2020
He was loved by many and will be missed.
Shirley and Darryl Muck
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Dear Beverly and family, We are saddened to hear this. Butch was a favorite of ours and know you will miss him terribly. What a sense of humor he had! Peace to Butch and to all of you.
Ted Hall
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Thanks for your service!!
John Davis
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Although it had been a number of years since we visited or played a little golf you will be missed my old friend. One of the top shelf guys. Sincerely, John Davis
Mark shreve
Saturday, July 25, 2020
In my thoughts
Sherri Smith
Saturday, July 25, 2020
What a loss for this community, he was a wonderful man. My prayers to the family of this kind, loving man.
Dorothy Hohle
Saturday, July 25, 2020
So sorry for your loss 💔ðŸ™â£ï¸. Butch was one of a kind and will be missed.
John and Cindy Morrison
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Thinking of you and have all of you in our prayers.
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Brenda Terral
Saturday, July 25, 2020
Beverly and family
, Jim and I were sad to hear about Butch. I can honestly say I have known him all my life. We have many fond memories of him!!
You all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Jim & Brenda Terral
Birdie and Carol Rogers
Saturday, July 25, 2020
We are so sorry. Butch was a great friend to Birdie. There were many memories made at Arkansas College.
Bubby Trosclair
Saturday, July 25, 2020
To the Duncan family-
My heartfelt sympathy to y’all! Butch was a kind person with an infectious smile and laughter! He touched so many lives in both his careers, all for the better!
May God comfort y’all!
Bubby