Frank James Duncan

March 2, 1936 - August 9, 2011

Mr. Frank J. Duncan, age 75, husband of Linda Norwood Duncan, and a highly respected former Chief of Narcotics and Vice with the Columbia Police Department, passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at Maury Regional Medical Center.

Funeral Services for Mr. Duncan will be held on Friday, August 12, 2011 at 1:00 PM in the chapel of Heritage Funeral Home with Bro. Ed Murphy, Terry Peery and Robin Howell officiating. Interment will follow in the Polk Memorial Gardens. The family will visit with friends on Thursday, August 11, 2011 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at the funeral home and then again on Friday from 11:00 AM until the service time. Heritage Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements and is assisting the family.

A native of Maury County, he was the son of the late Rufus Bryum Duncan and the late Virginia Brunson Duncan. He attended the Mynders School and was a 1954 graduate from Central High School. He was a member of the Bethel Church of Christ. Frank had many notable accomplishments in his life and most would know him for his dedication to the Columbia Police Department. Frank Duncan began his 40 plus years career with the Columbia Police Department as a patrolman and worked his way up to chief of narcotics and vice officer. He served three years in the Army National Guard. He was a Maury County Commissioner for 12 years serving in both the 2nd and 9th districts. He was a member of the Reserve Police Department for 12 years. He was a member of the Columbia Lions Club, the Mt. Pleasant Lions Club and the Maury County Lions Club and was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow, the highest award in Lionism. He was a charter member of the Fraternal Order of Police and a member of the National Bomb Tech Association. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a 32nd degree Scottish Right Mason.

Just a few years ago, Frank was honored by the Mt. Pleasant Lions Club where special accommodations were given to him by the Chief of Police Joseph Bishop and others of his co-workers at the Columbia Police Department, Judge Bobby Sands, former State Representative Ty Cobb, County Mayor Jim Bailey and past Columbia Mayor Bill Gentner. In addition to his dedication and work for our community, he also enjoyed woodworking and gardening. Frank had a devout love for his family and his grandchildren had stolen his heart. His life impacted so many people and his presence in our community will truly be missed.


In addition to his wife of 45 years, Frank left behind to cherish his memory two sons: one who followed in his fathers’ footsteps Sergeant Jeff (Tiffany) Duncan of Culleoka, TN and James Michael Duncan of Tampa FL; four grandchildren: Kai Duncan of Tampa Fl, Zeke Duncan of Melbourne, FL, Chase Duncan and Max Duncan both of Culleoka, TN; two brothers: Douglas (Doreen) Duncan of Houston, TX, and Bernard (Linda) Duncan of Orlando, FL; two sisters: Joy Park of Summertown, TN and Nancy (Jimmy) Dooley of Murfreesboro, TN; two sisters-in-law: Mary Duncan of Columbia, TN and Wanda Norwood Rice of Santa Fe, TN.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, Gerald Duncan and one sister Carole Duncan.

Pallbearers will include: Robin Howell, Tim Holt, George Gehrke, Vince Morgan, Charlie Raines, and Johnny Butler.

Honorary Pallbearers will include: past and present employees of the Columbia Police Department, past and present employees of the Maury County Sheriff’s Department, past and present employees of the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Dr. Charles Ball, Dr. Grant (Carey) Barr, Dr. Amit Choksi, Dr. James Kelley, Dr. Jon Freels, Dr. Kevin Maquiling, and friends and neighbors.

Memorials may be made to the Columbia Academy, 1101 West 7th Street, Columbia, TN 38401 or the F.O.P. Lodge 26, Larry Whitwell Memorial Fund c/o Community First Bank 601 N. Garden Street, Columbia, TN 38401.

You may send private or public condolences to the Duncan family at the top of this page; Click on “Send Private Condolences,” or “Sign Guest Book”.