Billy Joe Duke

Billy Joe Duke passed away at the age of 89 in Mexia, Texas on August 25, 2026. Billy was born in Dawson, Texas on November 2, 1936, to A.V. and Hollis (Hopkins) Duke. He started school in Dawson while his parents ran a store in Union High. The family later moved to Tehuacana, Texas where he finished grammar school and graduated from Mexia High School in 1954.

He was active in the National Guard where he became an expert marksman. He loved collecting guns. He also enjoyed quail and dove hunting. He was also known for being a workaholic. Farming and raising cattle seven days a week. He didn’t know how to stop! When all his crops were combined, other farmers called and hired him to combine their crops. Everybody had a job to do – if you didn’t- he would find something for you. The hardest working man I have ever known!

He is preceded in death by his parents, two sons-Jerry Duke and Mike Duke and grandson Jonathan Speights; his five brothers, H.V. (Geby) Duke, Howard Duke, Tarpley Duke, Ray (Red) Duke and Bobby Duke.

Billy is survived by one daughter Kim Carter and husband Warren; several grandchildren and great grandchildren; special friend and caretaker Nancy Bilbrey, and all the staff and residence at Mexia LTC.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Mexia LTC activities.

Services are planned for Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Blair-Stubbs Funeral Home in Mexia, Texas. Visitation with family will be one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Tehuacana Cemetery in Tehuacana, Texas.