Joseph Ryan Duke, a former standout athlete at Eastern Wayne High School, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 45 on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at his home.
His father coached him, and he excelled in every sport he played.
Joseph “Joey” Ryan Duke is remembered for the games he played and the countless lives he touched through his passion for sports and mentorship.
He was a natural athlete who became a standout competitor renowned for his exceptional skill and unwavering dedication.
Under his father’s guidance, he developed a fierce competitive spirit and a deep love for teaching the game. His passion for mentorship became the cornerstone of his life.
Joey carried the lessons from the field forward and dedicated himself to coaching his own sons and countless other young athletes across Wayne County.
His commitment to Eastern Wayne Youth Sports had a lasting and indelible impact, shaping the skills of a new generation of players. His influence will not be forgotten.
After high school, Joey continued his education at Wayne Community College, where he earned his associate’s degree in turf management. He was recently employed in distribution with Peet’s Coffee.
While his professional life took him down a different path, his heart remained deeply connected to the community and the athletic fields where he made his most significant mark.
Joseph Ryan Duke’s Family Mourns the Tragic Loss
Joseph Ryan “Joey” Duke, a man whose vibrant spirit and generous heart touched countless lives, passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, September 4, 2025.
He was born on June 17, 1980, in Wayne County to Sandra Gray Duke and the late Jimmy Duke.
Joey had a lifelong passion for sports and rarely missed an opportunity to cheer from the sidelines. He always made sure his family was with him and shared the excitement.
Beyond any game, his greatest joy and proudest role was that of a devoted family man.
He will be forever remembered as a loving and adoring husband to his wife of 13 years, Lindsay Watson Duke, and a proud and supportive daddy to his children, Michael Watson, Austin Watson, and Kayden Duke.
Likewise, he was a caring son to his mother, Sandra Gray Duke, and a loyal brother to his sister, Jordan Thomas, and her husband, JT.
Joey’s magnetic personality filled every room he entered, whether he was singing karaoke, DJing an event, or simply sharing stories and laughs with those he loved most.
He never met a stranger, and his ability to forge instant and lasting connections was one of his most remarkable gifts.
His family fondly recalls his daily trips to the neighborhood Food Lion, where he would purchase groceries or chat with the employees and customers.
Furthermore, Joey was an avid outdoorsman who found peace fishing. He was renowned as the “master griller,” always cooking up something delicious to share around the table.
Their gatherings, filled with good food and boundless laughter, created the cherished memories his family will hold close.
Along with his immediate family, Joey is survived by his niece and nephew, Grayleigh and Kyson Thomas; his grandmother, Brenda Perry and husband, Wilbur; uncles, Keith Gray (Becky) and Russ Duke (Lin); adopted sister, Tina Lewis; and his mother-in-law, Vicki Watson.
In addition to his father, his grandparents, Joseph Duke, Barbara Duke, and Jesse Gray, and his father-in-law, Billy Watson, preceded him in death.
You will and are greatly missed!! I so wanted you to walk through the door at work yesterday and say as you always did ” im so glad you got to see me today”. As you would have said, c suck it ip. I’m ok” you and your daddy meant the world to me. Give him a huge hug for me. Hugs to you to Joey!!
La Vena Turner-Hush
Joey leaves behind a vast community of friends who will dearly miss his presence.
The Duke family will receive visitors on Monday, September 8, 2025, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Joey’s extraordinary life will follow at 7:00 p.m. in the chapel.
Instead of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given in Joey’s memory to Eastern Wayne Youth Sports, in care of Truist Bank, 207 E. Ash Street, Goldsboro, NC 27530.
This contribution will continue his legacy of supporting young athletes and the community he loved so much.
Rest In Peace, Joseph Ryan “Joey” Duke.
