Obituaries 04/21/2024
Roger Dale Duke
WATER VALLEY – Roger Dale Duke, a beloved member of the Pine Valley community, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024. He was 72. He was born in Water Valley June 18, 1951, to Daniel Marion Duke, Sr., and Margaret Sylvia Horton Duke.
Roger was a dedicated truck driver who traversed the country many times. Later in life, he delivered building materials locally and hauled cotton during the ginning season. His dedication to his work in the transport industry was evident in every mile he drove.
Beyond his career, Roger had a passion for the outdoors. An avid fisherman, farmer, and mule handler, he found joy in the simplicity of nature and the wholesome activities it offered. His enthusiasm for raising milk goats and tending to his land showcased his deep connection to his roots and the land he called home.
Roger is survived by his daughter Candi (Steve) Rhea of New Albany, who meant the world to him. Together, they shared a bond that transcended a lifetime. Survivors also include brothers David (Barbara) Duke of Scobey and Lynn Duke of Edwards; and sisters Judie (Gary) Davis of Water Valley and Kathy McCharen of Bruce.
In addition to his parents, Roger was preceded in death by a brother, Daniel Duke, Jr., and sisters, Wanda Haase and Ann Perkins.
Visitation was held on Saturday, April 13, in the Gardiner Room of Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The funeral service followed at noon in Henry Chapel with Dr. Shane Crawford officiating. Burial was at Tabernacle Cemetery.
George Telford
WATER VALLEY – George Telford of Water Valley departed this life Sunday, April 14, 2024, at Baptist Memorial Hospital – Memphis. He was born to the union of the late Simon (Ham) and Mary Elizabeth Telford on April 5, 1957, in Water Valley.
George was a quiet person who enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a dedicated worker and a great provider for his family. He was a loving father and grandfather. His daughter was the light of his eye, along with his grandchildren.
He started his career hauling pulp wood and later worked at Mott’s. He then worked as a road construction engineer with Endevco and moved to M&N Excavators, Inc. after Endevco closed. He continued this work for 40 years until his death.
He married Janet Rogers on November 29, 1980, and together they raised four children, Vernon Demetric Rogers, George Edward Rogers, Casey O’neal Telford, and Leandrea Janel Townsend.
Visitation will be held Saturday, April 23, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. The service will follow at 11 a.m.
In his homegoing, family members George leaves to cherish his memories are his wife, Janet Telford; three sons, Vernon Demetric Rogers, George (Lisa) Rogers, Casey (Angelica Lewis) Telford; one daughter, Leandrea (Tekelvue) Townsend; seven siblings Helen Gooch, Shirley (Charles) Sims, Wilton (Martha) Telford, Lula (Johnny) Caldwell, John Eddie Telford, Bobbie Phillips, and Patsy (Rodrick) McLeod; eight grandchildren, Casey Telford Jr, Makylan Telford, Tekeluve Townsend Jr, Ethan Townsend, Matycia Murphy, Jertavious Washington, Xavier Lewis, and Shadajai Henderson four great-grandchildren Aiden Pritchard, Matison Battle, Avri Rose Washington and Za’Nova Lewis; and five in-laws Vernon Rogers, Charles (Angela) Rogers, Tommy Rogers, Donna (Terry) Blake, and Kenneth Rogers.
George was preceded in death by one brother, Ozzie Telford; three brothers-in-law, Jessie Gooch, Danny Rogers, and Freddie Phillips; and one sister-in-law, Lola Telford.