Chapter 30
"If I could make a list of things
To say before you left,
It would be filled with the smallest talk
And words I should have kept.
For everything you've done,
I would write all the 'thank yous'
And all the 'I'm sorrys.'
But throughout the list
One thing I will never send,
Because, if there is no 'goodbye'
Then, there is no end."
Untitled – by ladyawesomesauce
December 28, 1997 (Korea Time) – Goyang-si, Republic of Korea
The phone call had come from Sheriff Rosco to tell Enos that Uncle Jesse had passed, peacefully, on Christmas Day, surrounded by family. Daisy had not been able to do it.
Jesse L. Duke
Jesse L. Duke, age 77, passed peacefully from this life on Thursday, December 25, at his farm in Hazzard County, Georgia. Jesse was born May 11, 1920, to Henry Lucas Duke and Barbara May (Bennett), and graduated from Hazzard High School in the class of 1937. In 1938, he married the love of his life, Martha Lavinia Cook of Pruitts Corners, who preceded him in death.
Jesse was a retired farmer, a member of the Hazzard Ridge-Runner Association, and the Hazzard Reunion Committee Chairman. During World War II, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he held the rank of Machinist's Mate, 2nd Class. He lived his life as an example to others and never turned away anyone who was in need. Jesse was a loving husband and uncle and a trusted friend to all who had the privilege of knowing him.
Survivors include two brothers; Harry and John; seven nephews, Vance, Jeb, Luke, Coy, Jud, Gaylord, and Bo; one niece, Daisy; and numerous friends.
A memorial service will be held at Hazzard Town Hall on December 27, at 1:00 pm. All who wish to pay their respects to 'Uncle Jesse' are invited to attend. A private memorial service will follow immediately at Pine Ridge Cemetery, where he will be laid to rest beside his wife, Lavinia.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hazzard County Children's Home, the Hazzard County Library, or the Hazzard County Clinic.
The three snow-capped peaks of Bukhan Mountain watched over the northern periphery of the Seoul capital area. Soonie's soulful violin filled the quiet neighborhood within Goyang city that she and Enos currently called home. It was the first time she had played since being back in South Korea. There was little else she could do to comfort her husband.
Later in the afternoon, seven of their neighbors showed up at their door in black or dark-colored hanbok with bowls of spicy soup, meat, fish, rice, kimchi, nuts, and tangerines; always with a bow in unspoken honor of the loved one who had passed, even though they had no idea who that was. Amazing Grace and what it represented was universally recognized. The mournful way Soonie had played it had left no doubt. Seemed food for mourning was just as universal.
Enos and Soonie returned the bow to everyone who came to the door and took the envelope containing money that usually accompanied the food. Even Soonie had been surprised by the gesture, but she reminded Enos when the first neighbor arrived that it would be an insult to refuse the money offering and that they would send it to the Children's Home in Hazzard.
His father, Otis Strate, had died thirty years ago – a death never resolved. Enos had held expectations that Uncle Jesse would be there to welcome his firstborn into the world in his father's stead. He grieved that loss the most. It was only when Mizz Baek showed up at their door, bringing bulgogi and with Gem in tow, that he finally broke down.
Author Note:
We know Denver Pyle, who played Uncle Jesse, died on Christmas Day, 1997 after a battle with cancer. Because I know how the battle is fought, and how it is often lost, I decided to give him a more peaceful passing.
Acknowlegments:
My granddaughter, who writes under the pseudonym ladyawesomesauce, wrote the poem/epigraph that begins this chapter.
Uncle Jesse's obituary was written in collaboration with WENN9366 – her contribution was tremendously helpful.
Otis Strate's death references WENN9366's fan fic, Halls of Stone and Iron