Duane Whitney Piper, 79, of Cordova, TN, died after a short battle against cancer on Saturday, November 16, 2013. He was an active member of Bellevue Baptist Church, participating in the Yokefellow Bible Class, alternating as Class President and VP of Ministries every year. In addition, he was a dedicated, active supporter of Gideons International. His work history included over 45 years in the beauty supply industry, primarily for J. Strickland, North American, and Standard Distributing. Duane touched the lives of everyone he met with his gift of conversation, sense of humor, and devotion to the Lord. As he celebrates in heaven with his beloved wife Margaret, he leaves behind his four children, Teresa Phillips of Lexington, AL, Cindy Curtis (Ted) of Cordova, TN, Penne O''Brien (Mike) of Las Vegas, and Michael Piper of Memphis, TN. "Granddaddy" blessed the lives of his 10 grandchildren, Halley Phillips-Yeager (Chad), Roxanne Phillips-Tays (Zeth), Nick Curtis (Allie), Cody Curtis (Melody), Cassidy Curtis, Katie O''Brien, Taylor Valadie, Austin O''Brien, Christian O''Brien and Patrick O''Brien, and five great-grandchildren, Charleigh Anne, River, Preston, Noah and Carly. He also leaves behind sister-in-laws, Neda Malone (Joe), Becky Nelms and Willodine Nelms. Visitation will be at 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, November 19 at Forest Hill East Funeral Home at 2440 Whitten Road. Services will be at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 in the Chapel of Forest Hill East. In lieu of cards and flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society or St. Jude Children''s Research Hospital.

Forest Hill Funeral Home East (901)382-1000