RIP - my buddy 1911/Duane Wellington just passed away
Posted: Thu Jan 19, 2023 1:36 pm
I have tears rolling down my cheeks as I type this, but I have to get this news out. Duane's phone called me and I answered, and Maralee was on the line. She gave me news that I NEVER ever wanted to hear. Duane died yesterday. He was at work and about to clock out yesterday afternoon when it happened. The coroner's prelim indication was that it was a coronary event. Other workers performed CPR after he collapsed, but to no avail. Duane was 56 and no apparent health issues.
Maralee had lunch with Duane yesterday and asked him when he would be heading home, he said about 3:40. It was right about then when this happened. I will share more later, as I get time and get past the trauma.
I can't talk right now because work is upside down until tomorrow evening, but Maralee wanted me to get this out to his FJR friends online. She said that she will update me as to when the service will be, but it will be in Simpsonville, SC.
I can't believe my riding buddy and good friend is gone! I am wrecked.
Please pray for Maralee and her daughters as they struggle with this! Dead Serious.
-Mark
UPDATE: 1/20/2023: I just got a text from Marilee:
-Visitation will be this coming Sunday from 3-5pm, January 22nd at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home in Simpsonville, SC.
1604 NE Main St, Simpsonville, SC 29681
-Funeral will be on Monday at 2pm. - Same location.
(The linked obituary contains the time and location details as well)
https://thomasmcafee.com/obituary/duane ... ellington/
10/24/23 - Edit to add:

4/1/25 - Edit to add:
Special Thank You to Festus (aka Steve) for downloading video content Duane had created over the years so we could preserve it for family and friends to revisit upon occation. The video's - some short clips and longer motorcycle ride videos are currently being hosted on my blog site. Much of the content has music / sound tracks that could present challenges with hosting them on a social media host such as Youtube, etc. Hosting the media on my blog site privately should avoid any copywrite issues related to the music Duane choose to accompany the footage. He had a knack for that - there are 41 video's currently posted here on Attacktheroad.com > Projects > 1911 Video Gallery.
- Wayne (aka extrememarine).
Maralee had lunch with Duane yesterday and asked him when he would be heading home, he said about 3:40. It was right about then when this happened. I will share more later, as I get time and get past the trauma.
I can't talk right now because work is upside down until tomorrow evening, but Maralee wanted me to get this out to his FJR friends online. She said that she will update me as to when the service will be, but it will be in Simpsonville, SC.
I can't believe my riding buddy and good friend is gone! I am wrecked.
Please pray for Maralee and her daughters as they struggle with this! Dead Serious.
-Mark
UPDATE: 1/20/2023: I just got a text from Marilee:
-Visitation will be this coming Sunday from 3-5pm, January 22nd at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home in Simpsonville, SC.
1604 NE Main St, Simpsonville, SC 29681
-Funeral will be on Monday at 2pm. - Same location.
(The linked obituary contains the time and location details as well)
https://thomasmcafee.com/obituary/duane ... ellington/
10/24/23 - Edit to add:

4/1/25 - Edit to add:
Special Thank You to Festus (aka Steve) for downloading video content Duane had created over the years so we could preserve it for family and friends to revisit upon occation. The video's - some short clips and longer motorcycle ride videos are currently being hosted on my blog site. Much of the content has music / sound tracks that could present challenges with hosting them on a social media host such as Youtube, etc. Hosting the media on my blog site privately should avoid any copywrite issues related to the music Duane choose to accompany the footage. He had a knack for that - there are 41 video's currently posted here on Attacktheroad.com > Projects > 1911 Video Gallery.
- Wayne (aka extrememarine).