Duane Martin Smith, 61, lost his brief but courageous battle with cancer on Nov. 9, 2013 at his home in Bon Secour.
Less than two weeks prior to his death, he, his family and friends enjoyed an outdoor seafood picnic in his honor. He reminisced during a slide presentation of lifetime memories and then watched friends play horseshoes.
Duane was preceded in death by his parents, John and Ellen Walker Smith of the Foley/Gulf Shores area; and by an infant daughter, Lisa Kay Smith.
He is survived by his daughter, Heather Smith of Bon Secour; sisters, Joan (Tyrone “Smitty”) Smith of Robertsdale, Brenda Covey of Petoskey, Mich. and Lori Smith of Gulf Shores; a special cousin, Ralph Walker of Grandview, Tenn., who was like a brother to him; nieces, Jennifer Smith Adams of Elberta and Keishia Smith McLean Duvall of Bon Secour; and other nieces and nephews.
Born in Elyria, Ohio on July 19, 1952, Duane moved to Foley with his parents and siblings in 1965. He graduated from Foley High School in 1970.
Even as a child, Duane was an industrious and talented worker. Summers were spent working at Frank Borman’s Farm in Lorain, Ohio.
He learned early how to drive a tractor, plant and harvest crops, bale hay and milk cows at his Uncle Lawrence Walker’s farm in Lagrange, Ohio.
Duane was well-known in Bon Secour as a commercial shrimper and fisherman. He also worked with Dick Buskens at Buskens Boats in Gulf Shores, crafting quality boats that are very much coveted even today.
Duane had a great passion for hunting while yet respecting nature and animals.
He enjoyed working on trucks and cars, including a ‘57 Chevy BelAir, but never lost his love for his first real car, a 1969 Chevelle Malibu.
His faithful companion was Buddy, his beagle/bassett hound.
Duane had many friends including two special from Bon Secour, Erik “Cheerio” Thompson and Danny Hayes, who sat with him and helped him during his final days.
The family would like to thank Bon Secour Fisheries, Aquila Seafood and Safe Harbor Seafood for their generosities.
Visitation will be at Pine Rest Funeral Home in Foley, from noon to 1 p.m., on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2013, followed by graveside funeral services at Pine Rest Memorial Park.
Arrangements by Pine Rest Funeral Home, Foley.
