Funeral service will be at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, April 22,2026 at New Covenant Church.  Burial will follow in the New Zion Cemetery, Atkinson, NC.  Visitation will be 5:30 PM Tuesday April 21, 2026 at the funeral home.

Duane Anthony Nesbitt, lovingly known to many as "Weenie" and "Lil Daddy," was born on August 30, 1973, in Wilmington, North Carolina, to Douglas and the late JoeAnn Nesbitt.  A proud graduate of John T. Hoggard High School, Duane continued his education at St. Augustine University in Raleigh, North Carolina.  He later answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy, where he traveled both across the nation and abroad. Though he valued his time in service, his heart ultimately led him back home to Wilmington, North Carolina. Duane lived a life rooted in compassion, faith, love, and unwavering loyalty to his family and friends. He carried the Nesbitt name with deep pride and honor, holding close the strong Christian foundation that guided his life. His presence brought comfort, strength, and joy to all who knew him.  He was preceded in death by his mother, JoeAnn Nesbitt; his grandparents, Douglas and Virginia Nesbitt and Ralph Evans; along with several beloved aunts and uncles.  Duane leaves to cherish: his parents, Douglas (Carolyn) Nesbitt; his grandmother, Ruth Evans; his siblings, Rashida Stallings (Jamel), Douglas Nesbitt, Ill (Shameika), Barbie Cooper (Gary), and Tamara Cox (Letticia), and a host of loving aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.  Duane was a devoted and loving partner and father. He is survived by his loving wife, Zanika Nesbitt; his children, Marquelle Nesbitt, Keianas Eason, Keiasia Nesbitt, Zy'Aria Stokley Nesbitt, Duane Stokley Nesbitt, and Rashad Stokley Nesbitt and his six beautiful grandchildren who will continue to carry his legacy forward.  Duane will forever be remembered as a strong, resilient man of God whose warm smile could light up any room. His love, his strength, and his spirit will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.  His memory will be cherished always.  He leaves behind special friends: Mario McGrew, Michael Hemingway, Lamont Pryor, Retanna Tyson, and Nykia Cromartie, whose love and friendship meant so much to him.