Bishop Willie J. Duncan, Sr.

Bishop Willie James Duncan Sr. was born on April 28, 1940, to parents DeWitt (Pip) and Catherine H. Duncan. He was the 11th child, in the city of Curtis, Arkansas. He attended Curtis Public Schools.

Bishop Duncan was called to preach at an early age while sitting in the hen house on the farm. While attending George Washington Carver High School in Mark Tree, Arkansas, he was ordained to preach at the age of 17 years old under the leadership of Rev. G.C. Simpson, Pastor of St. John Baptist Church in 1958. His very first sermon was “You Must Be Born Again”. In 1958, Bishop Duncan and his brother Joe Lee Duncan would travel to different churches in the area. Bishop would preach and his brother would play piano and sing. 

Upon graduating from George Washington Carver High School in 1960, he moved with his family to Indianapolis, Indiana. After moving to Indianapolis, he joined Puritan Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. John J. Crook. He later became Asst. Pastor in 1961. While attending Puritan Missionary Baptist Church, he was introduced to his first wife by her father Willie Parker Sr. But before either one was committed to each other, they both were invited to Christ Temple Apostolic Church. They were both baptized in Jesus’ Name and they both filled with the Holy Ghost under the leadership of the late Bishop Willie Lee. A few months later they were joined together in Holy Matrimony on May19, 1962. And in this union, they became proud parents of 15 children - 9 boys and 6 girls. 

Bishop Duncan walked diligently in the church; he became the Asst. Chairman of the Young People Department along with Elder Nathaniel Madden. He was ordained as an Elder under the leadership of the late Bishop Willie Lee, under the organization of the Pentecostal Churches of the Apostolic Faith. 

Bishop Willie Lee sent Elder Duncan to evangelize to surrounding cities in Indiana. In 1968 Bishop Lee sent Elder Duncan to Muskegon, Michigan to Zion Tabernacle Apostolic Faith Church on a trial basis, as they were looking for a Pastor. In 1969 Elder Willie J. and Sister Zeola Duncan was installed as Pastor of Zion Tabernacle Apostolic Faith Church in Muskegon, Michigan. 

In 1970, Bishop G.M. Boone founded the Apostolic Assemblies of Christ with Elder Willie J. Duncan, along with 5 other charter churches. Elder Duncan held several positions within the organization. He was elevated to the position of Bishop in the late 70’s. 

Bishop Duncan founded The Muskegon Bible Institute in 1978. His slogan: “Teaching Them to Observe All Things.” 

Bishop Duncan studied to show himself approved by receiving several degrees: Doctorate Degree from Northwest University of London, England. Doctorate Degree from London Bible College of Applied Science and Arts, London, England. Doctorate Degree from Grace Bible College of Niles, Ohio. Doctor of Philosophy from International Bible College of Grace and Truth. 

He was appointed Deputy Director General of IBC of Cambridge, England., designation of Doctorious Church in 2023. He also lectured at Oxford University of Oxford, England: D.D., Re. D., Ph.D. 

Bishop Duncan set up several satellite schools 200 in Africa and countries such as: Russia, North Korea and many others throughout the world. Registered author of several books compounded into 3 large volumes. Two of his most sold books: “The Godhead” and “General Bible Knowledge”. 

Bishop Duncan returned to Indianapolis, Indiana with his family in 1985, continuing with pastoring Revival Temple Church and teaching. 

Bishop Duncan was inducted into a Hall of Fame by the American Biographical Institute of Raleigh, North Carolina as one of the Greatest Minds of the 21st Century. Bishop Duncan had a radio broadcast weekly on Saturday mornings titled: “The Bible Speaks.” He taught Bible Study at least 3 times a week on Facebook. 

On September 16, 2021, he lost the love of his life, Dr. Zeola Parker Duncan. He would later marry Sister Joyce Marie Smiley. 

Bishop Duncan transitioned from this life on July 27, 2025, at 2:44 a.m. with his wife and his children surrounding him. 

A few of his last words were: “I’m going home and I’m at peace”. 

To God be the Glory for a life well lived. He leaves to mourn: his wife Sister Joyce Marie Smiley-Duncan; his 15 children: Tara Ann Duncan, Willie James Duncan Jr. (Regina), Michael DeWitt Duncan, Katherine-Rose Duncan, Lorrie Jeanm Duncan, Deborah Lynn Duncan-Romero (Jacinto), Flavius Josephus Duncan (Tammy), Tabitha Rachael Duncan, Terah Pharez Duncan (Jessica), Titus Philemon Duncan, Tamar Angela Duncan, Timotheus Emmanuel Duncan, Thaddeus Eliud Duncan, Theophilus Eleazar Duncan (Jennifer), Tiberius Ceasar Duncan; 2 Godsons, David and Ronald Johnson; 2 Goddaughters, Linda Shannon and Judy Brantley; over 140 grandchildren, great-grands and 1 great-great-grand. Siblings: Emma Jewel Newton, Katie J. Matthews, Bishop Henry L. Duncan (Mary), Deacon James Russell Duncan Sr. (Ella Mae), Bishop R.H. Duncan Sr. (Carolyn), Joseph Lee Duncan (Ada Lee). Deceased: Parents DeWitt and Catherine H. Duncan; Sister Mable Cleo Rayford; Brothers: Joe Samuel, Cleveland and DeWitt D. Duncan. A host of nieces and nephews, his church family Revival Temple Saints, friends and Bible students near and far.