Duncan was born in Nashville, Tennessee to Lisa King and Ronald “Ron” Martin on August 5th of 1991, joining two brothers on his mother’s side and two sisters and two brothers on his father’s side. The family attended Rosedale Baptist church until 2001.
Duncan was adored by his parents and siblings and truly had a way of bringing people together through their love for him.
Duncan was a fearless toddler who would not hesitate to jump from the highest bluff at the Percy Priest cliffs or barrel down the hill on 3rd Ave. S. in his tyke cart finishing with a dramatic drift. He could often be found with one of his siblings joining them as a trusty sidekick in any endeavor.
He grew into a well-loved kid and made friends easily with his warm, inclusive personality and natural ability to make people laugh. Many of the friends he made became his chosen family.
Duncan was a very bright boy but the structured, stiff environment of school did not pique his interest for long. Eventually, he turned his focus to music and preferred hanging around the recording studio with his friends. He even made some freestyle recordings himself.
Duncan and his partner, Montesha, welcomed a daughter, Mariah Lisa, in late 2020. Becoming a father was the proudest moment of Duncan’s life and though his time with his daughter was short, he was a devoted and loving father to both Mariah Lisa and her brother, Jordan, who he accepted as his own. He loved being a dad.
Duncan experienced profoundly difficult times from the death of his father at an early age, numerous family tragedies, and then the extended illness and death of his mother in 2016. He used substances to relieve himself of the pain caused by these experiences. He made heartfelt attempts to find better ways to manage his pain and to live a clean and healthy lifestyle. He joined the Life Church family and was baptized in 2020. He had big dreams and plans for the future. Unfortunately, he experienced a relapse that led to his heartbreaking death.
We will remember Duncan’s beautiful, captivating smile.
We take comfort in knowing that we will join him again someday in a place where there is no pain, no suffering.
Duncan is preceded in death by Ronald Maurice Martin (father), Lisa Ann King (mother), and Lori G. Martin (sister), and many beloved aunts and cousins.
Duncan is survived by his daughter, Mariah Lisa Martin, brothers Jeremy Risgby, Jonathan “Jay” Rigsby, Jason Martin, and Randy Martin, sister Susie Martin Aguilar (Omar), Partner, Montesha Rutledge and honorary son, Jordan Guzman, nieces and nephews: Sara, Lindsay, Brandy, Jackie Kaitlyn, Rebekah, Miranda,Tayson, Caden, and Miracle, cousins of the Brachey and Beard clans, and many friends who were like family.
The family wishes to thank Pastor David Peden for his support during this difficult time.
