Paul Michael Duckworth was born on September 30, 1956, to Paul Edward Duckworth and Ola Mae Duckworth in McKinney, Texas. Paul (“Mike”) graduated from J.J. Pearce High School in Richardson, Texas, in 1975. Mike began his career as a dispatcher in Plano, Texas, where he worked for six and a half years, followed by another year and a half of service in Richardson, before joining his second family at the Allen Fire Department. On May 15th, 1980, after three years volunteering, Mike became the first paid firefighter of the city of Allen. His new role created a legacy and set a standard for all that followed, as well as his beloved community, for the next 28 years and beyond.
On November 6, 1976, Mike was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Peggy. And as one does when they meet their soulmate: they then married a short six months later on May 21, 1977. They shared a love that was truly one in a million, sustained by their dedication and devotion to each other, their home, and their family. Together, they enjoyed a beautiful and passionate 47 years surrounded by a flock of their own Duckies, consisting of their children, grandchildren, and an ever-growing collection of great grandbabies. There was nothing Mike loved more than his family and being a firefighter. Anyone who ever met Mike knew that he spoke his mind and made sure he was heard. Mike was a leader and a teacher of all things. There was nothing he didn’t know how to do, and nothing Pappy couldn’t fix.
Paul Michael Duckworth left this earth on Thursday, August 15, 2024, and the world will never be the same. Known as “Mike,” “Pappy,” “Captain,” “Baby Duck”— there were many names for this man who was truly larger than life, however there was one thing he was to us all; he was our hero and the foundation of his family. Mike’s “Duckisms” (a term coined by the men he served with) will live on in the hearts and minds of everyone who had the extreme honor of knowing him.
Michael was the doting husband of Peggy Duckworth, father to Chad Duckworth (wife Kellie), Thad Duckworth (wife Kelly), Rachael Duckworth, and Tommy Duckworth (wife Casey). He was the grandfather to Jessica Duckworth, Brandon Duckworth, Ally Brown, Asha Duckworth, Mackenzie Litton, Riley Morris, Gavin Riggs, George Duckworth, Gabriel Duckworth, Mackenzie Duckworth, Tristan Duckworth, Jason Harkness, Annabelle Harkness, Levi Duckworth and the cherished great-grandfather to Malisyn, Ryker, Cora, Ollie, Atticus, Thorin, and the soon-to-be-born baby girl Duckworth.
“Pappy” was preceded in death by his grandparents, his father, Paul Edward Duckworth, and his sister, Paula Mae Wilcox. His legacy of devotion, service, love, and his witty humor will forever be the standard for generations to come, the ever-impossible shoes to fill. May he rest easy and continue to keep his guiding and protective hand over his family.
A viewing will be held Thursday, August 22 between the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Turrentine-Jackson-Morrow in Allen, Texas, followed by a service Friday morning beginning at 10:00 a.m. You can watch the service online via live stream https://celebrationoflife.tv/blog/paul-michael-duckworth. Anyone wishing to provide their support or condolences to his wife Peggy during this time can donate to the family’s GoFundMe (link provided at bottom) or contact his grandchildren Riley Morris (817-683-2628) and Mackenzie Litton (469-600-6601) to make arrangements. Additionally, the family asks donations be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (link provided at bottom) in Paul’s honor. He was an inspiration, and he will be greatly missed.
Tunnel to Towers: https://t2t.org