J. B. Duckworth

J. B. Duckworth, 85, of Amber Lane in Morganton died Thursday, December 9, 2010 at Carolina Rehab Center of Burke following a period of declining health. Born September 15, 1925 in Burke County, NC, he was a son of the late Jesse B. Duckworth and Zula Queen Duckworth. J. B. was an active lifelong member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church where he served on many church committees. He was also a member of the Adult Men’s Sunday School Class, ages 60 and up. J. B. served in the US Army during World War II. He retired from Great Lakes Carbon Corporation after 33 years of employment. J. B. loved custom farming and worked at it for over 60 years.A devoted husband, father, and grandfather, J. B. is survived by his wife of 63 years, Rassie Dale Duckworth of the home; a daughter, Diane Duckworth Rhodes and husband, Steve of Morganton; a son, Tony L. Duckworth and wife, Tammy of Morganton; grandchildren, Chris Rhodes and wife, Angie of Morganton, and Kala Duckworth of Wilmington, NC; and sisters, Clara Clontz and Nellie Adams, both of Morganton.In addition to his parents, J. B. was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Duckworth.Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m., Saturday, December 11, 2010 at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Dewey Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bruce Clark, Bill Crawley, Tony Branch, Bud Williams, Bob Franklin, and Charlie Holland. Honorary pallbearers will be members of J. B.‘s Sunday school class and John McElrath. The family will receive friends Saturday from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the church. Memorial contributions may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, PO Box 1159, Morganton, NC 28680. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.