Steven Robert Duke

Steven Robert “Steve” Duke, age 71, of Cary, NC, passed away on March 18, 2026. Steve was born on July 4, 1954, in La Rochelle, France, while his father was serving in the U.S. Army. As part of a military family, he spent his early years living in France, Germany, Miami, FL; Fort Greely, AK; Fort Eustis, VA; and Fort Bragg, NC, before eventually settling in Sanford, NC. He graduated from Greenwood High School in Lee County, NC, in 1972 and went on to earn a business degree in Industrial Relations from the University of North Carolina. Steve dedicated the majority of his professional career to Bax Global Logistics, where, through hard work and perseverance, he rose to the position of Vice President. Steve was a true sports aficionado who especially loved following UNC basketball. A devoted Tar Heel, Steve remained an avid fan of University of North Carolina basketball up until his final week. He found great joy in spending time with his many friends and family, and he cherished trips to the beach with his beloved wife, Dorothy. He also faithfully served as a volunteer with Dorcas Ministries in Cary, where he built lasting friendships alongside fellow members of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. He was a devoted husband who lovingly supported Dorothy in her many passions, from gardening projects to life’s everyday adventures, and he cared for her faithfully in the final years of her life. Steve will be remembered as a humble and kind man whose stories and sense of humor kept everyone around him smiling. Steve deeply longed to be reunited with his beloved Dorothy after her passing, and now, in the peace and hope of heaven, that reunion is complete. His family takes comfort in knowing he is restored, whole, and in the presence of the Lord. Steve was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy (Williams) Duke, and his parents, Robert Dallas Duke and Bertha Ramelle Duke. He is survived by his sister, Mavis Hinton (Clark) of Macon, GA; his nieces, Holly Blinson (Philip) of Macon, GA, and Bethany Payne (Kurt) of Redwood City, CA; his stepchildren, Thea Craft and her significant other, Matthew Fussell, of Raleigh, NC; Max Williams (Megan) of Wilmington, NC; and Anne McClure (Bryan) of Bluffton, SC; as well as several step-grandchildren, to whom he was lovingly known as “Pop-Pop,” two great-nieces, and one great-nephew. A service will be held on March 23, 2026, at Gathering Park Place 2240 Gathering Park Circle, Cary, NC 27519, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. An urn committal service will follow at 4:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 221 Union Street, Cary, NC. Flowers may be sent to 600 Gathering Park Place, Cary, NC 27519. Any donations may be made in Steve’s honor to Dorcas Ministries/NeighborUp.org or the ASPCA. Steve’s legacy of kindness, humor, faith, and devotion to those he loved will be cherished and remembered by all who knew him.

Steven Robert Duke

July 4, 1954 - March 18, 2026