Services: Saturday, December 15, 2012 1:00 p.m. New Light Missionary Baptist Church1105 Willow Road, Greensboro, N.C.Rev. Dr. Cardes H. Brown, Jr.The Reverend Joseph Duke was called home to heaven on Sunday, Dec. 9, 2012 following a brief illness during which he was enveloped by the love of his family, church family and friends. Joseph Duke was born April 10, 1923, to the late Ozella Fewell and Joseph Duke. Young Joseph attended East White Oak and Lutheran schools. He would go on,in later years, to graduate from Greensboro Bible College.Growing up in East White Oak, Joseph was a popular and dependable youngman who was well regarded by all in the close-knit community. Tall and lanky, with a strong curiosity, Joseph cut a dashing figure, loved adventure and soonset off to explore the world.He served his country from 1943 to 1945 in the Navy during World War II. Afterthe war, he married his childhood sweetheart, Julia Gant, on February 17, 1946. To this union were born three children. Joseph was a devoted and doting husband, and a strong and loving father and grandfather. Joseph, who retired from the U.S. Postal Service, was a pillar of the community who always made time to help his neighbors and give advice. He spoke with certainty and conviction, never so much as when he witnessed to people about Jesus Christ â?? particularly noting the scripture of John 3:16.Joseph dedicated his life to Christ as a young man and later heeded the call tothe ministry in 1970, founding Outreach Baptist Church on June 10, 1980. The first service was held at his home on White Street and later moved to theEast White Oak Community Center. Outreach relocated to 1301 Sykes Avenuein 1986. A new sanctuary was completed New Year's Eve, 2003.Under Pastor Dukeâ??s leadership, four ministers were ordained at Outreach: Cynthia Grant and Kim Richmond, as well as the late Iris Johnson and Marion Catoe. Joseph became pastor emeritus in 2007 and Outreach has continuedas a loving and compassionate church body. The Church's mission is to share the love of God and to encourage a commitment to Jesus Christ.Left to cherish many wonderful memories are: his loving and devoted wife of 66 years, Julia Gant Duke; son Joseph William Duke III of Atlanta; daughter, Janet Lee Duke Lattimore of Greensboro; and son Jeffrey Delano Duke (Dion) of Charlotte; grandchildren, Denise Leak, Patrick Lattimore, Jerome Duke , Joshua Lattimore, Laura Lattimore, Jillian Duke and Jordan Duke; five great grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Myrtle Weeks and Cora Lee Seibles (John); a Goddaughter, Barbara Jean Wright, and a "special" grandson, Fred King; along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, family and friends. He loved you all.