Rev. Hillier Duke

COOKEVILLE CHAPEL - Funeral services for Robert "Hillier" Duke, 85, of Cookeville, Tennessee, will be held Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM (CDT) at the Cookeville chapel of Hooper, Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home. His family will receive friends for visitation from 3:00 PM until the time of the service at the funeral home.

After walking this earth for 85 years, Mr. Duke went to walk with Jesus on Sunday September 20, 2026. He was born May 28, 1941, in Jefferson, Georgia, to the late David and Grace Shields Duke. Following his high school graduation, Mr. Duke proudly served in the U.S. Navy for four years. In 1963, he married his high school sweetheart, Ruby Shumake. He then began working as a city mail carrier in Jefferson.

In 1972, he moved his family to Knoxville, Tennessee, to attend Johnson Bible College. While there, his academic and character distinctions included membership in Delta Epsilon Chi and recognition in Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges. Later in his ministry, he was honored with the Putnam County Right to Life Guardian of Life Clergy Award in 2006.

Mr. Duke moved to Cookeville in 1976, where he was instrumental in founding First Christian Church, serving faithfully as its minister for 31 years. From 2008 to 2020, he continued his ministry at Hatcher Hall Christian Church in Monroe, Tennessee. He deeply loved his Lord, his family, and his church communities, including the 111 Fellowship. Outside of his ministry, he was a passionate fan of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets and the University of Tennessee Volunteers. Some of his most cherished moments were spent surrounded by family at the “cabin” on Center Hill Lake.

He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 63 years, Ruby Shumake Duke; three sons, Bob Duke of Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, Greg Duke of Huntsville, Alabama, and Michael Duke and his wife, Carol, of Cookeville. He was the proud grandfather of Chelsea Nicole DeVries (Jon) of Chattanooga and Isaiah James Duke of Cookeville. He was also blessed with four great-grandchildren who were the absolute adoration of his heart: Corinne, Harper, Hudson, and Selah Mae (DeVries). He is also survived by his sister, Joyce Gilbert of Jefferson, Georgia; his brother, Tony Duke of Newnan, Georgia; and his sister-in-law, Barbara Petering of Jefferson, Georgia.

Graveside services will be held at Woodbine Cemetery in Jefferson, Georgia, at 3:00PM (EDT) on September 23, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, Mr. Duke requested that memorial contributions be made to Johnson University in Knoxville, Tennessee, or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.

Hooper Huddleston & Horner Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. (931)526-6111. Share memories and condolences at www.hhhfunerals.com.