NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Jack "Pops" Duncan, a longtime supporter of Trevecca athletics, passed away on Saturday, October 7th. Pops' smile, encouragement, and physical support will be fondly remembered by current and former Trevecca athletes for years to come.

Pops, who was 85, arrived in Nashville in 2001 and immediately connected with long-time TNU supporter Wendell Poole who introduced him to then Trevecca Athletic Director Alan Smith and women's basketball coach Julie van Beek. All three welcomed him into the program and from there his gentle spirit and kind heart endeared him to everyone on the Hill.

His support quickly grew from coming to every home athletic event to showing up on the road. There are great road trip stories surrounding his travels which still bring a smile to the faces of current and past athletes or coaches. 

Because of his great encouragement throughout the years, Trevecca inducted Pops into its athletic hall of fame on Monday, April 25, 2016. Jack "Pops" Duncan Hall of Fame Bio

We will miss Jack "Pops" Duncan but will always remember his consistent, unwavering support of Trevecca Athletics, he was an inspiration to all.

"Pops," as he is affectionately known, lived in the Trevecca Towers or Trevecca Health Center since moving to Nashville from California. He moved here along with his late wife, Velva, and their son Ron and daughter-in-law Jill and their sons Brad and Bryan. Both grandsons are Trevecca graduates. 

Trevecca volleyball coach Jayme Crowley said, "First, I am proud to have called Pops my friend! He provided inspiration and encouragement to me over these ten-years at Trevecca. Pops handled his medical adversities with courage, optimism, and a spirit of positivity."

"His gentle, kind, caring, loving, supportive, and loyal support lifted me many times. His strong faith and friendship were infallible. Pops, without a doubt, is one of the finest Christian role models I have met along my faith journey. His influential legacy shared with our current and past generations make Pops one of the most important difference makers I have known!"

Trevecca softball coach Ben Tyree added, "Jack is a great friend to everyone who knew him. Our girls loved it when he would come to a practice or game. He'd come and watch us play no matter how cold or wet it was. His smile was loved by anyone that came in contact with him. He definitely will be missed and remember by all.

Trevecca women's basketball coach Chad Hibdon said, "Pops will be truly missed and we are grateful to carry on his legacy through the Pops Duncan Classic. It will be bittersweet to hear the alumni sharing about Pops at our October 28th alumni game."

He has not only attended countless games but loved watching various teams practice.Trevecca coaches embraced Pops, making him "Honorary Coach" in various sports including women's basketball, softball, and volleyball. The women's basketball team named its annual tournament the Pops Duncan Classic "in his honor.

MORE ABOUT THE TREVECCA TROJANS
Visit the Official Home of Trevecca Athletics at www.tnutrojans.com | www.trevecca.edu
Click for Live Video of home games.
Follow on Social Media - Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Free Newsletter 
  

-- www.tnutrojans.com -- 
#PurpleReigns #DefendTheHill