ROY DUKES

Roy Lamar Dukes, age 75, of Donalsonville, GA passed away Thursday morning, Feb. 4, 2016 at his residence. Funeral services for Mr. Dukes will be held on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 at 2:00 PM at Hammock Springs Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Josh Rathel and Dr. Gary Smith officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery with Jeremy Rathel, Andy Dukes, Aaron Dukes, Jeffery Grice, Paul Shattles, and Greg McMillan serving as active casketbearers. Members of American Legion Post 157 and Men of Hammock Springs Freewill Baptist Church will serve as honorary casketbearers and Rev. Joe Tatum will officiate the graveside service. Visitation will be held on Friday evening, Feb. 5, 2016 from 5:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home. Mr. Dukes was born in Decatur County, GA on September 28, 1940 to Henry Dukes and Winnis Jones Dukes. He served his country in the United States Army National Guard and was a marksman. Mr. Dukes was self-employed as an electrician/plumber; a member of the American Legion Post 157, where he served as the Post Commander for 7 years (1997-2004). He was a former American Legion Member of the Year and an active member of Hammock Springs Freewill Baptist Church where he served as a deacon. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Jean Dukes of Donalsonville, GA; his children, Debbie Rathel and her husband Gene of Colquitt, GA, Don Dukes of McDonough, GA, Robert Dukes and his wife Lisa of Donalsonville, GA, Ronnie Dukes of Donalsonville, GA, and Susan Grice and her husband Jeffery of Donalsonville, GA; two sisters, Laura Jo Ramey of McDonough, GA and Mildred Butler and her husband Larry of Monroe, GA, and three brothers, Bill Dukes and his wife Susan of Roxbora, NC, Edwin Dukes and his wife Tina of McDonough, GA,. and John Dukes of Dothan, AL. Mr. Dukes is also survived by seven grandchildren, Jeremy Rathel and his wife Jenna, Joshua Rathel and his wife Erika, Jennifer Rathel Smith and her husband Daniel, Andy Dukes and his wife Hannah, Aaron Dukes, Alli Dukes, and Reid Dukes; as well as two great grandchildren, Ariel Smith and Brady Rathel; and numerous nieces and nephews. Mr. Dukes was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Dukes and Winnis Jones Dukes; three brothers, James Wallace Dukes, Wallace Duke, and Jabo Duke; and one sister, Patricia Ann Odom.