James Wilford “Bill” Dukes, of Smithland, KY, passed away on Sunday, February 11, 2024, at the age of 88. Bill was born on August 14, 1935 in Smithland, KY and remained a proud resident of Livingston County his entire life.
Bill attended Livingston County High School Class of 1954 and upon graduation began work at Higdon Foods/Kraft where he served in various capacities for over forty years. Bill was a member of the Potter’s House Worship Center where he faithfully attended and served. He was a member of the Smithland Masonic Lodge for many years.
Bill was preceded in death by his wives Betty Jean Blair Dukes and Joyce Hale Dukes. He was also preceded in death by his parents, Oliver and Ethel Dukes, brothers Lonnie Dukes and Dean Dukes and a sister, Sylvia Dukes Dove.
He is survived by his daughter Debbie DeWeese (Art) of Pelham, AL; his granddaughter Nicole DeWeese Helm (Derrick) of Birmingham, AL; three great grandchildren, Isabella, Ainslee, and Josiah Helm of Birmingham, AL; brother Albert Dukes of Paducah, sister Beatrice Henson (Willis) of Paducah, stepsons Everett Smith, Jr., of Smithland and Jeff Smith (Lynn) of Smithland, a step grandson, Duell Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was also preceded in death by a stepson, Greg Smith, and a step grandson Curtis Smith.
A visitation will be held from 10 until 11:00 AM on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem, KY. Masonic rites will be conducted prior to the 11:00 AM service on Thursday. Burial will follow at Leeper Cemetery in Tiline, KY. The service will be conducted by Andrew Sexton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Men’s Ministry of Potter’s House Worship Center, 881 Cutoff Road, Smithland, KY 42081 or St. Jude’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-9959. Boyd Funeral Directors and Cremation Services in Salem is in charge of arrangements.
