Jack Herbert Duckett

Jack H. Duckett of 29 Parkview Drive, Candler, died on Sunday morning, April 13, 2008. Born on March 31, 1917, in Asheville, Jack was the third of five children born to Herbert Decosta and Johnnie Wright Duckett. Jack was preceded in death by his loving wife of 63 years, Mary Geraldine "Jerry" Duckett and brothers, James and Phil, and his sister Lucille. A graduate of Lee Edwards High School, Jack worked at American Enka until retirement. He served as a volunteer fireman with the Enka Fire Department until he retired as a captain in 1982. From 1942-1946, Jack served in the army where he was stationed at Ft. Bragg and worked within the medical department. On February 4, 1944, Jack married Jerry DeVore. In 1947, Jack became a charter member of the American Legion Post 335 (currently Post #2) in West Asheville. In 1950, Jack and Jerry joined Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder since 1957. Until his death, Jack remained involved in a weekly prayer breakfast at his church. He was loved by many people and will be greatly missed. Jack is survived by his sister Diane Everhart and husband Howard of Spencer, NC; three daughters, Jane Byars and husband Larry, of Oak Ridge, TN, Ann Workman and husband Vic, of Asheville, and Mary Whitt and husband Mike, of Knoxville, TN; 8 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The funeral will be at Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, with the Rev. Dr. Douglas B. Tilley officiating. Burial will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park. His family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Malvern Hills Presbyterian Church, 2 Bear Creek Rd., Asheville, NC 28806 or to American Legion, Post #2, 851 Haywood Rd., Asheville, NC 28806.