William Ralph Duke, Sr., 85, of Suffolk, VA passed away March 1, 2007. He was born in Nansemond County, the son of the late Henrietta Turner Duke and William E. Duke. He was a U. S. Navy veteran, having served during WWII. Ralph retired after 42 years as the owner and operator of Duke's Sandwich Shop. He was a life long member of Liberty Spring Christian Church and a past member of the Suffolk Elks Lodge. He was predeceased by his wife, Billie G. Duke; sister, Ethel D. Nichols; and brother, John Thomas Duke.

Ralph is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Mary D. and Larry W. Byrum, Dianne D. and Richard E. Williams; son and daughter-in-law, William "Bill" Ralph Duke, Jr. and Elizabeth P. Duke, all of Suffolk, VA; grandchildren, Jason W. Byrum, Michelle N. Byrum, Mason C. Williams, Janna R. Williams, W. Justin Duke, and Virginia W. Duke; great grandchildren, Jonathan, Ashley, and Jessica Byrum; sisters and brother-in-law, Lucille D. Turner, Irene D. and David "Duke" Smith, all of Suffolk, VA.

A funeral service will be held Sunday, March 4, 2007 at 2 p.m. at Liberty Spring Christian Church with Rev. Allen Lancaster officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family Saturday night from 7-8 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home and other times at the residence of Dianne and Richard Williams at 319 Sussex Court, Suffolk, VA 23434. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, Suffolk Chapter at 604 Constance Woods Dr., Suffolk, VA 23434. Condolences may be registered at www.parrfuneralhome.com