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The Duke Automotive Management Team

Click on one of the people below to find out more information.

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  • Lydia Duke
    President / Dealer
    Lydia Duke

    In 1971, Lydia Duke, of Eupora, Mississippi, married into the car business. Her husband, Eley Duke Jr., was helping his father, Ray E. Duke, run the small family dealership with 15 employees while she taught in the Suffolk Public Schools. In 1989 Eley Jr. lost his battle with brain cancer and a school teacher from rural Mississippi made her entrance into the automotive industry. 

    Lydia has been responsible for Duke acquiring the Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC franchises. In 2003, Lydia was named President and Dealer Operator of Duke Automotive and the business had grown to 45 employees.  At approximately the same time, General Motors made the decision to discontinue the Oldsmobile franchise.

    Besides being the dealer and president of Duke Automotive, and the only female dealer in Hampton Roads, Lydia has made community service a priority. She has served on numerous boards and charitable committees, some of which include:

       Board of Directors and Past Chairperson of Paul D. Camp Community College. 
       Board of Directors for Hampton Roads Chamber of Commerce-Suffolk and Regional divisions
       Regional Board of Directors for the United Way of South Hampton Roads.
       Suffolk Rotary Club
       And many others

    While Lydia has shunned the spotlight, never seeking recognition, others have recognized her selfless dedication and her many positive qualities

       She received a Resolution of Appreciation for Sponsorship of the Athena Award which recognizes outstanding women in business and the community.
       Lydia was presented the 2006 State Board Chairman's Award for Meritorious Service given by The Virginia Community College System
       She received the Spirit of Leadership Award from the General Motors Women's Retail Initiative
       Lydia received the "Ray of Hope" Award from the Hampton Roads Youth Center (2004).

    When not working with the Duke Automotive team, Lydia enjoys spending time with her husband, Bill, their four children and their spouses, and their 6 beautiful grandchildren.

  • Bruce Blythe
    New Vehicle Manager
    Bruce Blythe

    Bruce has been back with Duke since 2005, and lives in Courtland, Va.! He had been with Duke for 6 years during the 90's as the New Car sales manager but had the chance to become the general manager at another dealership and took the opportunity and Bruce has over 34 years in the automotive business.

    When not here at Duke Bruce enjoys spending his time with his family and friends, relaxing and grilling on the Outer Banks, listening to his boys play guitar, and watching movies.

    Bruce is married to his wife Renee for 32 years, they have three sons, Adam, Ryan, and Jordan. And a cocker spaniel named Jack and a "grandog" named Buddy!

  • Dianne Dillow
    Parts Manager
    Dianne Dillow

    Dianne has been a part of the Duke team since 1997, and lives in Corapeake, N.C.! Dianne has been in the automotive parts business since 1979, she was a parts consultant with Duke for several years before being promoted to Parts Manager!

    When not here at Duke Dianne enjoys spending time with her family. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her donkey and two horses!

  • Eley Duke III
    Vice President
    Eley Duke III

    You could say Eley has been with Duke his entire life! As a kid he would come to the dealership on most Saturdays to spend time with his Dad and Granddad. He started out detailing vehicles, worked in parts, the body shop, and sales until college. After college Eley worked for a dealership in Richmond, VA, and returned home to Duke in 1997. Eley is a graduate of the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) Dealer Candidate Academy. A certified Finance & Insurance Professional through AFIP, a graduate of the General Motors Dealer Academy, and a member of the Association of Automotive Internet Sales Professionals.

    When not at Duke, Eley enjoys relaxing with friends and family, traveling, and cooking; we understand he's only in charge of the grill! You can find him during the warmer months exploring the beaches of the eastern shore and     making drip castles with Parker Duke. He also enjoys saltwater fishing, auto racing,  waterfowl hunting, and a good college or Redskins football game!

    Eley is married to Nicole, they have one son; Parker, and two black labs; Bailey and Jackson.

  • Ricky Eure
    Pre-Owned Sales Manager
    Ricky Eure

    Ricky has been with Duke since 1985 and lives in Suffolk, Va.! He started off as a sales consultant and is now our Pre-Owned manager.

    When not at Duke Ricky enjoys spending time with his family and friends, being at the beach and fishing. He also enjoys coaching baseball at SYAA (Suffolk Youth Athletic Association).

    Ricky is married to Teresa and they have one son named Aaron and a yellow lab named Carly!

  • Don Kelly
    Finance Manager
    Don Kelly

    Don has been part of the Duke team since 1995 and lives in Chesapeake, Va. He is a certified F&I Professional through AFIP and a 1992 graduate of The Pat Ryan School for Finance & Insurance.

    When not at Duke, Don enjoys his time by spoiling his grandkids, working in his yard, and relaxing while fishing!

    Don is married to Diane and they have four daughters and one son, eight beautiful grandchildren and a Yorkie named Taz!