In loving memory of

Sidney " Buddy" Duane Duncan, Jr.
April 6, 1948 - February 18, 2018

With a heavy heart, light spirit, and sensitive soul, Buddy left us on February 18, 2018 peacefully in his sleep at his residence in Sarasota, FL. He was born on April 6, 1948 and raised in Columbia, SC where he grew up as the eldest of three children to Sidney Duane Duncan, Sr. and Claribel (Ralston) Duncan, who preceded him in death. Buddy prided himself on being the oldest living Duncan. He leaves behind his two loving sisters, Betty (John, deceased) Davis and Deborah/Debbi (Tom) Jackson, as well as many friends.

Buddy was raised to be a true southern gentleman. He experienced life on a farm in Bythewood, SC, city life in Columbia, SC, and coastal living in Garden City Beach, SC. He attended the University of South Carolina, where he studied biology, psychology, and psycopharmacology in undergraduate and graduate schools where he was working on his doctoral program. His intellectual IQ surpassed many and was appreciated and shared by all who knew him.

He was always drawn to warmer climates and the call of friends. This led to a life in Key West, FL from 1976 to 2002. During his time in Key West, he was considered a phenomenal mixologist, generous friend, and quite a handsome catch. He began his career in the bar, restaurant, and entertainment industry and was an integral part of the original Full Moon Saloon. He proceeded on to the Chart Room, Margaritaville, Louie's Backyard, Sloppy Joe's Bar, Grunt's Bar, the Key West Yacht Club on the boulevard, and Crabby Dick's Bar and Restaurant on Duval Street. He was considered the fastest bartender on the island, earning him consecutive awards and honors during the CHUBS Awards era in Key West. His barstools were always full, with friends lined up to hear his rapid-fire sense of humor, often asking him to slow down and repeat so nothing was lost in the conversation.

After this illustrious career in Key West, he was ready for a change and headed north to South Carolina, where he spent many years working in the hotel industry in the Charleston, SC area. He went to be near his sister Betty, who lives in Folly Beach, SC. He made many friends in the Folly beach area, where he resided until it became too cold for him.

Longing for a warmer climate and wanting to live halfway between both sisters, he retired to the Sarasota, FL area where he lived with his cat, Lightning, and his pet fish. He was a collector of gadgets and a lover of animals, as well as people.

There will be a small gathering of family and friends at the Key West Yacht Club on the boulevard from 3:00 to to 5:00 P.M. on April 6, 2018, which would have been his 70th birthday. Afterwards, his ashes will be taken out and spread in the waters off Key West to send him on his way.

Donations may be made in his honor to the Key West SPCA, the Key West Wildlife Center, and the Key West Sister Season Fund.

Buddy was loved by all, never met a stranger he didn't like, and was truly humbled and grateful for the love bestowed upon him at the recent Full Moon Saloon Reunion.

They say you can't go home again, but Buddy did. Rest in peace, our brother, friend, protector, and hero.

Tributes

Mark Rivkin wrote on Mar 14, 2018:

"Betty, so sorry to hear of your brother's passing. Please know your old friends are thinking of you and your family during this very difficult time."

Victor Heymann wrote on Mar 6, 2018:

"Buddy was a true gentleman. Always a smile and always a pleasure to see. He taught me all I needed to know about Margaritas. He will be missed by all that knew him. RIP Buddy"

Rachel Garreau wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"Buddy you will always be in Memory of a life so beautifully lived with a heart so deeply loved by many .r.i.p. my friend, Be seeing you on the other side of that trippy cosmic journey with my favorite drink waiting "

Carroll Grafton Gerow wrote on Feb 26, 2018:

"Memories of the Key West years are the strongest and best of my life. Young Bud was a big part of those times. No one ever made you feel more welcome and that laugh! If only we could hear it again. Debbi you and I met in Columbia long, long ago. I'm sorry to have to be reunited under such sad circumstances . Much love to you and your family. "

Sherman Bywater wrote on Feb 25, 2018:

"Deeply saddened to hear this news. Truly fond memories of him in KW. Best always to his family."

Marty Baas wrote on Feb 25, 2018:

"Wonderful memories of Buddy! Gone but not forgotten. "

Lynn Cannella wrote on Feb 24, 2018:

"Always loved his quick intelligent wit. Love to Debbie and Betty. "

Charles Ham wrote on Feb 24, 2018:

"My heartfelt condolences to Debbie and Betty. RIP Buddy. You will be missed by all."

Diane Zell wrote on Feb 24, 2018:

"What a Guy! A Smile! A Quick Wit- Then Some! R. I.P."

kay wrote on Feb 19, 2018:

"Our deepest condolences to the Duncan family and friends from Kay Waites and staff at Sound Choice Cremation & Burials."