Frank Reep Duckworth

Frank Reep Duckworth of Lenoir, NC passed away on Sunday, April 4, 2021 at Burke Hospice. He was born in Burke County to the late E.A. (Gus) Duckworth and Georgia Reep Duckworth on February 28, 1937. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Jane Brown; brothers-in-law, George (Bill) Brown and Donald Dean.

He worked for Duke Power over 30 years starting as a lineman and retiring as an engineer. During his time there, he came in contact with many interesting people. After retiring, he filled his days working on his beloved farms in the Mount Home Church/Mull School area, where he grew up. When his health made it impossible for him to maintain the farms, Jimmy Mull took over the responsibility of caring for them in addition to his own full time job. The family will always be grateful for the support Mr. Mull provided. There were many other friendships he cherished during his life. He enjoyed nature: watching for the purple martins to return, seeing bluebirds use the nesting boxes he had made, watching wild turkeys, deer and geese in the fields, the arrival of a new calf or taking a walk on a mountain trail.

Frank is survived by his wife, Anita, of the home; sisters, Barbara Dean of VA, Joyce Austin of SC and Angela Martin of Morganton. He also leaves behind his niece, Martha Austin Wilson and husband, Alan of FL.

The funeral will be at 12 noon, Thursday, April 8, 2021 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Jerry Gamble and Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, please practice social distancing and wear a face covering.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions be made to Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, 1720 Enon Rd, Valdese, NC 28690 or to Mount Home Baptist Church, 2272 Mount Home Church Rd, Morganton, NC 28655.

The Duckworth family wishes to thank the staff at Burke Hospice who so compassionately cared for Frank in his final days.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.