Lamar Duke

1950-2020

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”

(Psalm 116:15 KJV)

Lamar Duke became a special friend and partner in ministry.  We would share a laugh, or a meal, or a phone call and with him it was always an encouragement as he uplifted my spirit, spurring me to greater love for the Lord and the work. He spoke several times here at Rockford, was Interim Pastor at Providence Baptist Church, and shared time with us during the annual Senior Adult Revival meetings.

When he was first facing the possibility of cancer we had a time to speak regarding the plans and uncertain future.  We stood in a hall in Montgomery, shared in prayer and assured each other God would receive honor and glory through our lives.

A year ago, Bro. Lamar attended the Fire in the Pulpit Celebration.  He came to encourage pastors and their churches with his presence, but the greater reason was to come in support of a church planter named Jarman Leatherwood from Huntsville, Alabama.  While Jarman shared the word of God, Bro. Lamar sat on the front pew showing pride, love, admiration for his “son” in the ministry.

The time, spent with Bro. Lamar on this special night, would be a moment I will cherish for eternity. It would be the last time we would be together in the same building.  His life would be changing in the days and months ahead.  We would share text messages for the coming year.  His move to be with his daughter in the north would keep distance between us, but yet text messages would be shared, assurance of prayers, encouragement would be of great importance.

Then last night Tommy, his son and church planter, wrote on Facebook:

“It is with great joy and tears that we share that our dad, Lamar Duke, left us today to enter the presence of the Lord. Right now he’s worshiping and experiencing his reward in heaven! His pain and suffering have been replaced with the victory and glory of Jesus Christ.

Thank you all for your constant prayers, love, and support during this brief, intense battle with cancer. We are grieving tonight, but not as those who have no hope – we’re clinging to the promises of God and grateful for the time we were blessed with!”

2 Corinthians 5:8
Revelations 4:1-2

Those two scripture references are encouragement.  That is the way Bro. Lamar would want us to be focused on, at a time such as this.

“…We are confident and satisfied to be out of the body and at home with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8 HCSB)

“After this I looked, and there in heaven was an open door. The first voice that I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this. Immediately I was in the Spirit, and a throne was set there in heaven. One was seated on the throne…” (Revelation 4:1-2 HCSB)

Bro. Lamar served as a State Missionary of the Alabama Baptist State Convention for almost thirteen years.  He came to the office in 2013 and served in the office of Associational Missions and Church Planting as the church planting strategist.  His hearts desire was to assist church planters throughout the state.

His education included a Masters of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Louisiana and the Bachelor of Arts from the University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama.

Bro. Lamar served the Baptist Convention of New York guiding churches and church planters in church planting ministry efforts.  He served for 25 years as a Pastor, 6 years as a church planter, and 10 years as a missionary with the North American Mission Board.

Lamar and his wife Dolly were members at First Baptist Church, Montgomery.