James William Dukes

It is with heavy hearts in announcing the passing of James William (Billy) Dukes, Jr. on April 30, 2025.

Billy died peacefully with his children and family by his side at The Abbey hospice in Social Circle GA.

We are joyful however in the fact that Billy was a professed Christian who was a staunch believer in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The pain of our loss is overshadowed however by the joy that he is now with his mother and father in heaven.

Billy was a Georgia native, born in Atlanta on October 18,1954. He was raised in DeKalb County graduating from Southwest Dekalb high school in 1972 before attending Georgia Tech where he graduated in 1976 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Engineering. Never leaving the Atlanta vicinity he finally settled in the Social Circle Rutledge area where he lived for the last 23 years.

Billy is survived by his loving wife Mary Vasquez Dukes, his son James William Dukes III and Ashlin, Lauren Elizabeth Dukes Anderson and Matthew, his stepson Jeffery Vasquez and Karen, and stepson Robert Vasquez. Grandchildren Hudson Dukes Anderson, Charlotte Robin Anderson, Ivy Carolina Dukes, James W Dukes IV, Ryan Vasquez, Ava Vasquez, Jackson Vasquez, and Malayna Vasquez.

Surviving brothers Craig Dukes and Mark Dukes and Janice. His adoring sister Sherry Dukes Kelly and her husband and Billy’s dearest friend Charles (P’nut) Kelly. Nephews, Mac Dukes, Dustin Dukes, Jacob Dukes, Lucas Dukes and nieces Kim and Carie Kelly. And a host of great nieces and nephews.

Billy is preceded in death by his father James William Dukes Sr, his mother Duene Dukes, and his stepson Steven Vasquez.

Please join us in honoring his memory at Rutledge Methodist Church at 12:00 noon Monday May 5th located at 136 E Main Street, Rutledge Georgia. Then join us for a Billy Dukes type lunch directly after the memorial service.

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