Hoyt Duncan

Hoyt W. Duncan, 104, of Commence, died Monday September 8, 2008, at BJC nursing Home.

He was born September 8, 1904, the son of the late Alvin and Harriett Bray Duncan. He was a member of Webbs Creek Baptist Church and was a retired farmer. He was known around north Georgia as the “Water Witch.” He used a homemade contraption to help homeowners and well drillers find water. The contraption - a wooden frame supporting a compass and a number of copper wires, two of which were free to turn where water was somewhere underfoot. Many of Mr. Duncan’s “finds” are still in use today.

Mr. Duncan was preceded in death by his wife, Marie Wilson Duncan; and daughter, Bernice Rylee.
He is survived by a son, Paul Duncan, Commerce; five grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren; and seven great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 9, at Webbs Creek Baptist Church with the Revs. Robert Hill, Wade Lott, and Mr. James Cantrell officiating. Burial was in the church cemetery.

Little-Ward Funeral Home, Commerce was in charge of arrangements.