Riner Davis Duncan, Jr.

Riner Davis Duncan, Jr., 94, of Lynchburg passed on July 28, 2024. He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Katherine Duncan. In addition, he is survived by two daughters, Katie Popek and husband, Phillip, of Motley, and Victoria Trent and husband, Steve of Lynchburg. His son Riner Duncan, Ill, of Lynchburg, his grandchildren, Sarah Young and husband, Ben, Laura Poindexter and husband, Cedric Simon, Emily O'Hare and husband, Patrick, Cameron Duncan, Hannah Duncan, Morgan Popek and wife, Paige, and four great grandchildren. Riner was preceded in death by his parents, Riner Duncan, Sr, and Ruth Myers Duncan of Radford as well as his brother, Robert Carlton Duncan.

Riner was born June 14, 1930, in Roanoke, Va and spent his youth in Radford, Va. After graduation from Radford High School in 1948, he attended Greenbriar Military School in Greenbriar, WVa. He received his collegiate education from Virginia Tech. In 1958 he moved his family to Lynchburg where he remained the rest of his life.

In addition to a 32-year career at General Electric in Lynchburg where he was known as R.D., he served in the US Military for 34 years. Riner first enlisted in the US Air Force during the Korean War and was stationed in French Morocco. He served in the Naval Reserves in Norfolk, Va. The bulk of Riner's military career was spent in the US Army Reserves. He retired with the rank of Command Sergeant Major at the Army Reserve Center in Lynchburg,

During Riner's Army career he was a member of the 80th Division Army Rifle and Pistol Team, serving as team captain for many years. He enjoyed competition shooting both with the Army and in civilian life winning uncountable awards and honors, including eight gold medals in the Virginia Commonwealth Games. During his retirement years he worked at Petrey's Gun and Hardware, where he was known for his vast knowledge of guns and gun repairs.

Riner was a dedicated member of Forest Road United Methodist Church, where he served on many committees. He volunteered for many years at The Daily Bread of Lynchburg as well as Interfaith Outreach of Lynchburg. Riner was also a very dedicated family man. He was a very beloved husband and father. He treasured his family and found great joy in his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He and his wife, Katherine, spent a lot of time caring for their grandchildren before and after school as well as during summer breaks. He leaves them all with a great amount of fond memories of their adventures with Grandmother and Granddaddy.

Family visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. at Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, Friday, August 2, 2024, with a funeral service to follow at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Tharp Funeral Home. Riner will later be laid to rest near his childhood home in Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery, Dublin, Va.

In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations be given in his honor to Forest Road United Methodist Church in Lynchburg.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.