John Samuel Duck, age 82, of Scotts Hill, Tennessee, with a second home in Plant City, Florida, passed away on April 17, 2026 in Plant City. He was the former manager of the Paris Landing State Park and Convention Center.
John was born on November 21, 1943 in Decaturville, TN, to the late Sam L. Duck and the late Marie Harrell Duck. He married Cheryl Williams Duck, formerly of Paris, in 1993 and she survives in Scotts Hill. John is also survived by step-son, John Mark (LeAnn) Dudenhofer of Paris; step-granddaughters, Sophie and Alexis Dudenhofer of Paris; sister, Margaret (Dan) Purnell of Jonesboro, Arkansas; niece and nephew, Jessica and Christopher Purnell of Arkansas.
John was a Christian by faith and a member of Decaturville, Tennessee, Methodist Church. He was the General Manager of Paris Landing State Park and Convention Center on two different occasions, as well as General Manager of Pickwick and Fall Creek Falls State Parks. He also worked as a vendor for Annie’s Pooch Pops dog treats, traveling over the Eastern USA. His wife was the owner of Cheryl’s Flowers and Gifts, formerly of Paris, for 16 years. John was a sea captain, an avid sportsman, duck hunter, and professional fisherman.
John’s visitation will begin at 2:00 P.M. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at First Baptist Church, Room 100, in Plant City, Florida, with a memorial service to follow at 3:00 P.M.
Another visitation and memorial is planned for Saturday, May 16, 2026 in Scotts Hill, TN at Scotts Hill Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. until service time at 12:00 P.M. A luncheon will follow immediately after the service, especially for out-of-town family and friends.
The family requests that love gifts in memory of John be made to, Hope Recovery, Women and Men of Hope, 1925 TN HWY 18, Medon, TN 38356. McEvoy Funeral Hoe in Paris is in charge of arrangements.