McGill Click Funerals & Cremations
Luther O. Smallen, better known as Duke, age 83 of Loudon, passed Saturday, June 29, 2024, at his home following a lengthy illness. Duke was a member of Jackson Chapel Baptist Church, where he loved worshiping the Lord. He retired from Tennessee Asphalt and later went to work for Loudon County Road Commissioner Don Palmer. Duke had a passion for racing, some would say he lived for it. Whether he was watching a race on tv or attending an Outlaw Dirt race at the track, Duke was always cheering on his favorite driver; but no one was more his favorite than his late nephew, Aaron Smallen. Duke always encouraged Aaron, believing he would win every race. He had great confidence that Aaron could not be beat and he was thrilled to be part of the "Pit Crew". Duke was known to do a little racing himself and was excited to know he was able to race in the presence of Dale Earnhardt and Marty Robbins. He enjoyed hunting and being outdoors, he never met a stranger, and loved to tell a story or two, and cut-up with friends and family. Above all, his greatest treasures in life were his family; especially his grandchildren, who adored him and who were entertained by his tales.
Duke is preceded in death by his parents, John and Blanche (Cook) Smallen; brothers, T.R., Norman, Jesse, Ebb, Andy, Kenny, Wyman, and infant brother, Denny Smallen; sisters, Bernice Malone and infant sister, Margaret Smallen.
Duke is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 61 years, Margaret Baumgartner Smallen; daughter and son-in-law, Carla and Mark Millsaps; grandchildren, Evan, Marlee, and Ashton Millsaps; brother and sister-in-law, Johnny Lynn and Linda Smallen; special niece, Brenda Thearp; special nephew, Doyle Smallen; and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.
Services to remember Duke will be held 1 PM Saturday, July 6th in the McGill Click Chapel with Rev. Greg Jameson and Rev. Gary Cook officiating. Interment will follow in Davis Cemetery. Contributions in memory of Duke may be made to Jackson Chapel Church, and mailed to the treasurer of the church at 4650 Sweetwater Vonore Road, Madisonville, TN 37354. Serving as pallbearers, Evan Millsaps, Steve Fritts, Bill Bright, Freeman Kirkland, Bill Smith, Ross Millsaps, and Jesse Rayl. The family will receive friends 11 AM - 1 PM Saturday prior to the service at McGill Click Funerals & Cremations, 1366 Highway 72 N, Loudon. mcgillclick.com
LINKS
Loudon News-Herald
http://loudon.xtn.net
Memories
Gallery
Guestbook