David Allen Duncan, Sr, left this world peacefully on August 13, 2025. Dave was born in Ohio but was a long time resident of East Tennessee, with family ties in Ohio. He lived his life unapologetically, no matter what anyone thought. Dave was never one to sugar coat the truth, nor was he one to pretend to be anything other than his true self. His family could always depend on him to lighten the mood of any situation with a joke or wild statement. He was the kind of man that didn’t meet a stranger. Dave could talk to anyone about anything for hours. He was just as carefree in his adult years as he was in his youth. He never lost that sense of rash language and his family will forever miss his outspoken character. He was one of a kind.

Dave enjoyed many things in life, but the thing that gave him the most joy was cars. Whether it was racing, working on engines, or simply sitting around with family and supervising their work, if a car was nearby Dave was in his element. He passed his love of racing and motor building down to his children, just as the love for the sport had been passed down to him from his elders. He attended every race night he could with his sons and his grand-children, who he watched and supported as they took to the track in cars he’d assisted in building. His absence at the track will be noticed by more than just his family.

Dave is preceded in death by his father and mother, James and Betty Duncan; a sister, Jo Ann Bailey; a son, James Duncan; an uncle, Benny Duncan; mother-in-law, Meredith Meadors, and several extended family members in the East TN and Ohio regions.

Dave is survived by his wife, Sally Hickman-Duncan; son and daughter-in-law David Duncan Jr. and Katherine Duncan; son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Amber Duncan; step-son and wife, Christopher and Laken Hickman; sister-in-law, Kellie Phifer; brother-in-law, William Madden; brother-in-law and wife, Ralph and Brenda Bailey; nephew and wife, Cody and Emily Bailey; grandchildren, Isaiah, Jericho, Zoe, Xander, Allie, and Zachary Duncan; step-grandchildren, Zayden, Kinlynn, and Lloyden; great-nieces, Sara, Lily, and Laney; special friends, Jason and Anthony; and a host of special individuals who were more like family than friends.

The family will honor Dave’s wishes and in lieu of funeral services they will host a Celebration of Life ceremony. The date and time will be posted at a later date.

Schubert Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of David Duncan.