Ray ““Big Daddy”” Duncan

The family of Ray “Big Daddy” Duncan will host a gathering of family and friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at Bacon Heights Baptist Church. A service to celebrate his life of 78 years is scheduled at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at Bacon Heights Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service at the City of Lubbock Cemetery. He died on Sunday, April 2, 2023. Please visit this page for a service broadcasting schedule and an area to share stories of Mr. Duncan with his family.

On April 2, 2023, Byron Ray Duncan (78) went home to be with Jesus. In Hebrews 12, it says: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder, and perfecter of our faith.” Ray, more affectionately known as Big Daddy, ran his race with endurance.

Ray and his twin brother, Jay, were born on May 14, 1944, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Dortha and Elbert Duncan, who instilled in them a sense of grit and determination. Ray moved around in his early years and settled in Lubbock as a Junior at Monterey High (Class of ‘62), where he met his high school sweetheart, Linda. They married on August 30, 1963, and she was his faithful, devoted wife for 59 years. Together, they raised three children: Todd (Holly), Lance (Heather), and Cris (Deanna). Ray was also a proud Big Daddy to seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild: Ashton, Taylor, Elizabeth, Tanner, Ethan, Tatum, Hadley, and Brighton, respectively.

Ray was a man of faith who loved God, his family, and his community. He was a member of Bacon Heights Baptist Church for 53 years, where he served as a deacon and Sunday School Director with dedication and compassion. He found great joy in helping others and always sought to lend a hand where needed. Ray was a Master Electrician and the owner of B&R Electric. He took pride in a job well done and was deeply respected by his colleagues and clients.

In 2005, Ray suffered a near-fatal accident after falling from a 22-foot roof while at work. The prognosis was grim. He was told he might not live, and if he did, he may never walk again. However, Ray persevered and ran the race set before him. Within a few months, he was living, walking, and even riding his jet ski—a true miracle!  He never viewed physical challenges as limitations. Rather, he continued to serve as demonstrated by his mission work with Bacon Heights in Peru, where he helped bring light (literally and metaphorically) to local villages that did not have electricity.

In his free time, Ray enjoyed fishing at the lake, making fudge, setting off on risky adventures, and coaching basketball. For many years, he found joy in helping his own family, as well as other players, hone their shooting skills. Furthermore, he was an avid supporter of his children and grandchildren and loved nothing more than watching them excel in their various interests. Whether it was a basketball game, photography awards ceremony, business venture, dance recital, soccer match, or stock show, Big Daddy was the one who always showed up. Though he was bold, confident, a little witty, and tough as nails, he had a gentle spirit and inspiring faith. Even up until his last breath, Ray fought, never compromising in running his race to glorify God and serve others.

The legacy Ray leaves is profound. All of these words fall short of capturing who he was to so many, and he will be deeply missed. Simply put, to know Big Daddy was to love Big Daddy.

In lieu of flowers, the family has dedicated Parkridge Pregnancy Medical Clinic for donations in his name.

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