John Augustus Duckworth, III, of Greenwood, widower of Mary Frances Spearman Duckworth, passed away on August 28, 2026, at Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of John A. Duckworth, Jr. and Dora Jones Duckworth. John was a proud Air Force veteran who loved sharing stories about his military career and his time serving in the Korean War. After his service, he spent years working as a transport and material manager at Champion Paper Company, and later became a familiar, friendly face at Triangle Hardware. He was deeply devoted to his faith at New Market Baptist Church and loved being involved in his community. He looked forward to every American Legion meeting, was a member of AFM Lodge 91, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and spent over 40 years "40+8" as a dedicated member of the Hejaz Shrine.

More than anything, John just loved people and life. He was the kind of man who would pick up the phone just to call his friends and chat for hours. When he was younger, you would usually find him cooking up something good on the grill or piddling around in his shop. He and his family used to take many camping trips to the lake and mountains. He loved attending Bluegrass festivals and singing along to old classic country, especially his favorite, Willie Nelson. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by a daughter, Rhonda Hughes; granddaughters, Stephanie Coffey (Mike), and April Timmerman (Tee); brothers, Thomas Duckworth and Paul Duckworth; Great grandchildren, Abby Broome (Alec), Gracie Timmerman, Drew Timmerman, Austin Collins (Jaela), Michael Helmuth, and Isaiah Helmuth; and a great-great grandchild, Soren Broome.

Along with his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by sons, John Duckworth IV and Charles Mark Duckworth; step daughter, Martha Ann Gillian; sister, Dora Blackledge; and brothers, Claude Duckworth and James Duckworth.

A memorial service will be held at Harley Funeral Home on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM officiated by the Reverend Stanley Sprouse. 

The family will receive friends before the service from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM.