Donald Woodrow Duncan

Donald Woodrow Duncan, known affectionately as Donald to his friends and family, passed away on May 3, 2025, at the age of 82 in Greer, South Carolina. Born on April 27, 1943, in Campobello, SC, Donald's life was marked by his jovial spirit, wisdom, and the remarkable skill of his hands, whether they were under the hood of a car or tending to his garden.

Donald spent his entire career in the textile industry, where his dedication and hard work were as woven into the fabric of his life as the materials he worked with. His passion for automobiles extended far beyond his profession. A lover of old muscle cars, Donald could often be found in his garage, restoring them to their former glory. His love for cars was more than a hobby; it was a connection to his past, a testament to his youth when he ran moonshine, honing his driving skills that later had him jokingly claim the title of racecar driver. Donald's adventurous spirit and love for speed were only matched by the joy he took in sharing it, taking friends and family for exhilarating rides in his prized vehicles.

Gardening was another of Donald's interests, where his patience and care helped him cultivate not just plants, but also relationships with those around him. His weekends were a testament to his love for community and camaraderie, as he never missed a chance to visit the Barnyard flea market on Saturdays and Sundays. There, he would engage in one of his favorite pastimes—sitting and talking with friends, sharing stories that were often infused with his unique sense of humor.

Watching NASCAR was a favored leisure activity, one that allowed him to connect with his love for cars and speed from the comfort of his own home. Donald's presence was a fixture in the lives of those who knew him, his wisdom and humor leaving an indelible mark on every gathering.

Donald was a family man at heart, and nothing brought him more joy than spending time with his loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Claudia Parton Duncan, his children, Melanie Hayes and her husband Baxter, Matthew Duncan and his wife Kelly, and Cynthia Stubbs and her husband Jody. His legacy continues through his eleven grandchildren and many great-grandchildren, who will miss their grandfather's funny stories and wise counsel. Donald was predeceased by his daughter, Donna Duncan, and is also survived by his sisters, Lois Hicks and Joyce Brown, and was preceded in death by his sister Shirley Culbreth and brother David Duncan. He was the son of the late Creda Cook Duncan and Woodrow Wilson Duncan.

Donald's life was a journey filled with laughter, love, and the roar of engines. He was a man who could fix anything, a trait that made him the go-to handyman in his family and community. His absence will be deeply felt by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, but his memory will continue to inspire laughter and joy.

As we say goodbye to Donald Woodrow Duncan, we celebrate a life well-lived, a life that touched so many others with its humor, wisdom, and the unmistakable sound of a muscle car's engine revving to life. His was a life that exemplified the beauty of simplicity, the value of hard work, and the importance of family and friends. Donald's story does not end here; it lives on in the hearts of those he loved and the countless lives he enriched with his presence.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Emmanuel Gospel Tabernacle Church. 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday May 10th at 1 PM at Emmanuel Gospel Tabernacle Church, 512 South Main Street Greer, SC 29650.