Gerald Lewis Duncan

On Friday, January 30, 2026, Gerald Lewis Duncan age 85 of Smithfield, Virginia died at the home of Patricia Kessler where he had lived for the past 10 years. He previously had a stroke which left him paralyzed on one side, unable to speak and with limited mobility. Cynthia Guardia was the caregiver for Gerald and during the last few months he was on hospice care at home.

Gerald was born in Franklin, Virginia on December 3, 1940. He is survived by his sister Patricia Jenkins of Smithfield; nieces Michelle Jenkins and Maria Ferguson; nephew Todd Duncan; special friends Patricia Kessler and Cindy Guardia; and his estranged daughter Carol. Gerald was predeceased by his parents Lewis and Ruth Duncan, his brother Melvin V. Duncan and his niece Stephanie Jenkins Evans.

He graduated from the Newport News Apprentice School as a toolmaker and worked for many years at Newport News shipyard and Norfolk Naval shipyard. Gerald was a member of Uzzell United Methodist Church and enjoyed his church friends and Patricia Kessler‘s children, Dale Shenk (Tammy), Mark Shenk (Beverly), Cindy Guardia and their families. He will be remembered for his generosity and helping others. Gerald loved sailing and once spent six months on a sailing trip to the Bahamas. He also loved collecting fine early American crystal.

A celebration of life service will be conducted at Uzzell United Methodist Church on Sunday, February 15 at 2pm by Reverend Becky Gwaltney. Donations may be made to Uzzell United Methodist Church 15363 Uzzell Church Rd., Smithfield, VA 23430.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com