Billy Clyde Duncan, 89, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Oct. 16, 2021, in Longview, TX. A native East Texan, Billy Clyde spent most of his life in Shelby County, living in both Shelbyville and Center. In recent years, he moved to Longview to be closer to family.

 

Billy Clyde was a cherished father, grandfather, and community member.  Many came to know him as the voice of the "Taste of Heaven" gospel radio show that aired on KDET radio in Center every Saturday for more than two decades. Frequently making an appearance as co-host was Billy’s beloved wife Virginia Duncan, who preceded him in death in December 2000.

 

God blessed the couple’s ministry of spreading the Good News over the airwaves and in person as they performed Southern Gospel music with sons, David and Dayne. Known as The Singing Duncans, the family performed at Sunday Singings and other events throughout East Texas and northwest Louisiana. Billy Clyde will be fondly remembered for his Stamps-Baxter piano skills and soaring rendition of "How Great Thou Art."

 

In community activities, Billy Clyde was the Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America Troop #466 Shelbyville, the Minister of Music for First Baptist Church Shelbyville, a member of the Breakfast Lions Club of Center, and a member of Center First Baptist Church and their choir for more than 30 years. He also treasured his men's prayer group that met each week to lift up those who were in need of prayer. His favorite activities involved giving back to those who might need encouragement.

 

Billy Clyde was born to Ida and Talbert Duncan in Shelbyville, Texas, on May 7, 1932. He graduated from Shelbyville High School and earned his business degree from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, TX. After graduation, he proudly served our nation as a member of the United States Navy, then spent most of his professional career at Center Plywood, a division of Hallmark, in manufacturing and accounting.

 

Left behind to cherish his memory are Billy Clyde’s son David and wife Susan Duncan of Longview, TX and granddaughters Skye and Stormie Duncan of Kilgore; son Dayne and wife Shellye Duncan of Groesbeck, TX, and grandsons Bradlye of Houston, TX, Bradye of Waco, TX, and Brandyn and Braxtyn of Groesbeck; son Douglas and wife Diane Duncan of Carrollton, TX and grandsons Blake Duncan, San Diego, CA and Chase Duncan, Houston, TX; and former wife Ruth Chandler Duncan. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Virginia Lee Cockrell Duncan, former wife JoAnn Browning Ross, and daughter-in-law, Sharon Duncan.

 

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 24, at Mangum Funeral Home Chapel in Center with interment to follow at Oaklawn Memorial Park, Center. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. Sunday preceding the service.

 

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask friends to bless others in need through a donation to a local church of choice or to a favorite Southern Gospel group.