Irvin Jefferson Duckworth

Irvin Jefferson Duckworth passed away on August 7, 2021 at Alamance House, Burlington, North Carolina.  He was 83 years old and a resident of Mebane North Carolina since 1976.

Mr. Duckworth was born in 1938 in Collins, Mississippi to Ida and Marion Duckworth.  He was the youngest of eleven (11) siblings, nine (9) boys and two (2) girls.  He attended Collins High School where he played football and enjoyed his community.

At the age of sixteen, with permission from his mother, who signed his enlistment papers, he joined the Mississippi National Guard, serving two years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant.  After graduation from High School, he then joined the United States Navy, serving aboard aircraft carriers Yorktown and Midway.  Upon his return to civilian life, he eventually became a craftsman packaging die maker and that was his primary work until his retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Elizabeth (Liz) Duckworth and three children, Ronny Duckworth (Sylvia), Lisa Duckworth Evans (Wesley) and Lee Duckworth (Shelly). In addition, he is survived by four grandchildren (Samantha, JJ, Megan, Ryan) and one great grandchild, Caleb.  He is also survived by one older brother, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Irvin was also an avid fisherman, participating in numerous bass tournaments across the state of North Carolina.  As a part of his involvement with the sport of bass fishing, he was a member of four fishing clubs, during the 1990s, and won many championships along with a wall full of trophies for his angling accomplishments.  He was also an enthusiastic member of BassMasters. He often said, when he was out on the lake, that’s where he regularly met with God.

A Funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday August 11, 2021 at the McClure Funeral Home Chapel in Mebane with the Pastor Sammy Ballard officiating. Burial will follow in Oakwood Cemetery with Military Honors. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Wednesday at the funeral home and other times at the residence of the family. Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Mebane (Building Fund) at 301 South Third St. Mebane, NC 27302. Online condolences may be made at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net