Ross Burton Dukes was born on May 29, 1934 at home in Laurel to Silas and Mae Dukes. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Jean Banks. Ross is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Thelma Jean Dukes; his brother, Dale Dukes; his two sons, Mike (Sandy) and Barry Dukes (Cami); four grandchildren, Barry Dukes, Jr. (Katie), Jeremy Dukes (Erin), Heather Holloway (Kyle), and Hannah Dukes; as well as 11 very special great-grandchildren that blessed the latter years of Ross’s life.
Ross had a passion and talent for woodworking and drawing blueprints. His craftsmanship has been admired and appreciated over the years but the greatest thing Ross ever built was his personal relationship with his Savior, Jesus Christ. He left a legacy of selfless servitude with many years of his life dedicated to teaching Sunday School and serving with the Gideon’s Ministry.
Ross was the definition of a true patriarch. Whether it was helping his sons and grandsons build their forever homes, playing board games with his granddaughters, teaching his great-grandchildren about the different tools in his workshop, or treating his wife to a dinner at Cracker Barrel, Ross always made time for his family. One of his most beloved hobbies was collecting antique tools which he would find on one of the many trips he took with his wife to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. If you knew Ross, you know he was a man of unwavering faith, true to his word, and a very skilled carpenter whose work was built as solid as his own character.
Funeral services were held on Monday, July 27 at Central Worship Center in Laurel. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please send your donation to Ross’s home church (Connection Church) for their missions and building fund.
Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel.