Kenneth, of Polkville, was born in Mendenhall, MS on June 28, 1932, to William Christian and Maggie Balmer Dukes. Kenneth lived to serve others... Serving in the US Navy during the Korean conflict stationed aboard the USS Richard B. Anderson in Okinawa, Japan, as well as Pearl Harbor and San Francisco; Serving in law enforcement for 30 years where he worked his way through the ranks to Lt. Colonel and Assistant Chief of the MS Highway Patrol; Serving as Chief of Police for the City of Flowood; Or simply serving as a friend to so many and a constant source for a good laugh or a good story.
Kenneth loved music, especially blue grass and gospel, and treasured time spent with family and friends traveling, camping, and "jamming" at the Polkville Music Barn. Kenneth and Alice were married 67 years before her sudden passing, and he longed for her every day until they were reunited in Glory.
Kenneth was tough as nails and outlived all six of his siblings, even through numerous health battles over the last several years. To know him was to love him, and he leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter to prove it. Kenneth is survived by his three children, Donna Dukes Gandy (Andy), Pamela Dukes Blakeney (Ken), and Kenneth Ray Dukes, Jr. (Courtney); eight grandchildren, Clay Gandy, Kiley Johnson, Justin Dukes, Joel Dukes, Jack Dukes, Joe Mason Dukes, Henley Garrett, and Lilly Garrett; and four great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be held from 12:00pm until 2:00pm, Wednesday, February 2, 2022, at Baldwin-Lee Funeral Home in Pearl. Funeral services will follow at 2:00pm in the funeral home chapel with interment in Floral Hills Memory Gardens.
