Rev. Dr. Carnes Duren Jr. was born on July 22, 1933 in Sumter, South Carolina to Deacon and Mrs. Carnes Duren, Sr. He is the second son of nine children. When very young, he informed Pastor Weston that God had called him to preach, so after much counseling and prayer, he was told that Pastor Weston believed that God called him to preparation so that when he was ready, God had a place for him.

At 17, Carnes joined the United States Army and rose in the ranks to Seargent First Class.
While in the military, he worked as Administration Supervisor for the Civil Government and was assistant Chaplin and served three years in the Korean War during which he met and married Ms. Laureen D. Thomas October 19th, 1955. To this union four daughters were born.

After twenty-five years of service in the Army, he retired in 1972 and began his calling to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He began his training at Morris College in Sumter, South Carolina and earned his BA Degree in Arts and Divinity while being trained at both Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist Church and Stucky Missionary Baptist Church in Bishopville, South Carolina by Dr. B.D. Lewis.

In 1974, he was called to Bethlehem Baptist Church in Marion, South Carolina, where he continued studying while pastoring. He received his Master of Divinity and Doctorate of Divinity. After a successful tenure at Bethlehem Baptist Church, the spirit led him to resign the church and pray. After he resigned, he began teaching at New Vision University in Lincolnton, North Carolina, where he received his Doctor of Religion and Ph.D. in Philosophy. During the same period of time, Black Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Jefferson, South Carolina called him to be their pastor. He stayed there until he retired.

He served for many years on the Lee County school board and was instrumental in opening the Lynchburg-Elliott Child Development Center in 1972 with his wife. He will be remembered most for his love for God, his family and his community. He had a great love for the Lee County community, and no matter where he went, he never met a stranger.

He is survived by his four daughters, Carzenia (Johnny) Brown, Valarie Haywood, Andrena Duren, and Antinetta (Darnell) Summers. Five granddaughters, Jonee, Monet, Kiyana, Layla and Bethany. Two grandsons, Dominic and Jeremy. One great-grandson, and four great granddaughters. He is survived by his sisters, Elizabeth McFadden, Patricia Waddell and Loretta (Raymond) Logan. Two brothers, David (Mary) and Titus (Beverly), a host of nieces and nephews, and two special sons, Nick Henry and Raven Patrick Dennis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brothers James and Freddie Duren.

As Rev. Dr. Duren would always say, "Don't forget to pray!"

Public Viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at Job's Mortuary from 2-6pm.

Rev. Dr. Duren will be placed in the church on Thurs, July 25 at 10am for viewing until the hour of service.

Homegoing Services will be held on Thursday at 11am at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Marion Newton, Officiating.

Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park.

Family will be receiving friends at the home 67 Lewis Street, Lynchburg, SC 29080

Job's Mortuary, Inc., 312 S. Main Street is in charge of arrangements.