Duane Wilson Obituary

On November 11, 2020, Duane passed away at the age of 73. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia to Thomas Benjamin and Katrina Styers Wilson in 1947 and spent 72 of his 73 years living in the Hampton Roads area, leaving for just one year to attend UVA. He graduated from Norview High School in 1966 and ODU with a degree in Business in 1970. He was married to Rebecca Spuhler for almost 25 years and together they raised three children - Scott Alan Wilson (Kim) of Pennsylvania, Heather Lilly (Jason Self) of North Carolina, and Ashley Wilson Rennhack (Philip) of Colorado. He also leaves behind six grandchildren - Andrew, Catherine, Lucas, Olivia, Vivian, and Eli - and countless cousins and friends.

Duane was certainly a character; an eclectic type, as anyone who encountered him at Harrison Opera House in his dusty rose colored Crocs could attest. He could be loud, brash, and bold, but also had a gentle and generous side. He loved to learn new things and would eagerly debate any professional. In his later years he enjoyed quiet things like yoga, strolling through the galleries at the Chrysler Museum of Art, and relaxing with his kitty cat while reading the newspaper or listening to WHRO, but also more adventurous activities like complaining about his cell phone, and surfing with his best friend Jimmy.

He was a master builder and had the pleasure of constructing and remodeling dozens of homes throughout his life, especially in the Ghent area of Norfolk. Many of his clients became fast and close friends. He was incredibly hard-working, talented, and meticulous in his design and craftsmanship, and spent the last five years renovating the childhood home he helped his father build sixty years ago.

Duane absolutely loved to entertain. He enjoyed nothing more than hosting a rowdy and lively house full of people, celebrating with great food, music, and laughter. If you were lucky enough to try a bowl of his famous clam chowder at one of his parties, your life was never quite the same.

We encourage you to email your stories and memories of Duane's antics to us at [email protected], and we look forward to sharing them with everyone at a memorial service to be held sometime in the future when we can all safely congregate.