Darian Dwight "Duke" Garland

Darian Dwight Garland arrived on February 24, 1980 in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Better known to family and friends as “Duke”, he grew up in the Smithton Community of Gurdon surrounded by the love of his parents, Roy Lee Garland and Diana B. Giles. Duke accepted Christ at a tender age and united with the Eastern Star Baptist Church family. He attended Gurdon Elementary and was a 1998 graduate of Gurdon High School, where he excelled as an athlete. Dukes’ strength and endurance allowed him to advance in sports. He was a faithful employee of Scroll Technology. Believing God’s Word, “….and the two shall become one flesh….“ he and the love of his life Kristana Kennedy were married and they were blessed with two daughters, Ayanna and Maleigh. His greatest joy was sharing time with his wife and children. Duke was a lover of sports, music and good food. In his 30th season, Duke surrendered his soul on June 23, 2010, and now he is present with the Lord. Family, as well as friends, will miss his quite strength, smile and love, but will never forget his spirit and compassion. He lived life to the fullest, and there was never a dull moment when Duke was around. Those left to forever cherish his love, sense of humor and laughter are: his soul mate Kristina Kennedy Garland; his children, Ayanna Garland and Maleigh Garland all of Gurdon, AR; his stepdaughter, Kassidy Smith of Hot Springs, AR; his mother and stepfather, Diana and David Quarles of Gurdon, AR; his father Roy Lee Garland of Gurdon, AR; his brother and sister, David Garland and Rochell Garland both of Gurdon, AR; a special niece and nephew, JaMya and Jamal Garland; aunts and uncles Marilyn (Dwight) Johnson of Gurdon, Mary Wallace of El Dorado, Willie Giles, Jr., of Gurdon, Joe Willie Giles, Ray Charles Giles, Roy Lee Giles, Richard (Andrea) Giles and Larry Giles all of Lansing, Michigan; Doris (Ann) Gilbert of Magnolia, Lonnie Ray Garland, Leroy Garland and Rudolph (Alfreda) Garland all of Arkadelphia. Mr. Garland will lie in state on Saturday, June 26, 2010, in the funeral home 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. The last farewell will be held Monday, June 28, 2010, at 1:00 p.m. in Eastern Star Baptist Church - Rev. Marshall Allen is the pastor. Dr. James H. Giles, Sr., pastor of St. Paul AME Church will deliver a message of hope and comfort. The committal service and final resting place will be at Rose Hedge Cemetery in Gurdon, Arkansas. Bearers of the Casket will be Andre Anderson, Marcel Anderson, Keon Brewer, Trevon Crow, Bunker Dickens and Johnnie Smith.