James W. (Billy) Dukes

ACCESS ROAD LOCATION:  James W. (Billy) Dukes, Sr., of Rutledge, died February 14, 2010, at Walton Medical Center, at the age of 76. Growing up in Atlanta, Billy was a paperboy for the AJC, ran in the Soap Box Derbies, and was a Boy Scout. He graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1952. He owned Dixie Furniture with five locations from 1955-1985, and was honored as Nice Guy of the Year by the Georgia Home Furnishings Association in 1977. He also owned Royal Distributors, Royal Land Company and Bill Dukes Race Horses. His love for his farm was second only to his love for his family. His charisma, generosity, integrity, and strength of character were obvious to anyone he ever met. Survivors include his wife, Duene Dukes of Rutledge; children, James W. (Billy) Jr., and Mary Dukes of Social Circle, Craig Dukes of Rutledge, Mark and Janice Dukes of Monroe, Sherry and Charles Kelly of Rutledge; grandchildren, J.W., III and Ashlin Dukes, Mac Dukes, Dustin Dukes, Matthew and Lauren Dukes Anderson, Jacob Dukes, Lucas Dukes; step-grandchildren, Robert and Macey Vasquez, Jeffrey and Karen Vasquez, Kimberly Kelly, Carie Kelly; great-grandchildren, McKaylah Dukes, Hudson Dukes Anderson; step great-grandchildren, Ryan , Ava , and Jackson Vasquez; sisters and brothers-in-law, Peggy Maier of Buford, Carl and John Pass of Lilburn, Margaret Faircloth of Brunswick, Amber and Vic Hunter of McClaney, FL; brother and sister-in-law, Steve and Lou Dukes of Jonesboro; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ray and Jean Pitts and Curtis and Anita Pitts all of Duluth. Funeral services for Mr. Dukes will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2:00 PM, at the chapel of Caldwell & Cowan Funeral Home, 1215 Access Road, Covington, GA 30014, and interment following in Lawnwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 16, from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM.