Bobby Wayne Dukes

Bobby was born in 1938 to Melvin and Arlie Dukes of Old Hickory, Tennessee. He was the fifth of six children in the family. He grew up in Old Hickory and graduated from DuPont High School in 1957. He then served in the Tennessee Air National Guard.

He worked for DuPont, both in Old Hickory, Tennessee and Richmond, Virginia for 35 years until he retired and moved back home to Old Hickory.

Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty Anne Dukes; his parents, Melvin and Arlie Dukes; his sister, Wanda Dukes Odell; brothers Guy Dukes, Kinley Joe Dukes, Charles Dukes, and Richard Dukes; and son, Dennis Dukes.

Bobby is survived by daughter, Kristi (Marty) Penton; daughter, Debbie (Barry) Holt; son, Gene (Pam) Hahn; nine grandchildren: Tish (Jon) Carman, Josh (Megan) Holt, Sarah (Steven) Denham, Amanda (Jamie) Garner, Quinn Dukes, Benjamin Dukes, Sophia (Kyle) Condon, Callyn (Michael) Cornell, Maggie (Tori) Hahn-Igoe; and nine great-grandchildren: Haley Carman, Bryce Carman, Brady Holt, Dylan Holt, Amelia Garner, Ada Denham, Enolia Cornell, Virginia Cornell, and Olivia Cornell; Daughter-in-Love Vicki Tillman Dukes and a host of nieces and nephews.

Bobby was a loyal and generous friend and loved by all who knew him. He was very competitive in all things game related; from Rook to Uno, backyard basketball to Jarts. He never lost his love to play. He was a voracious reader, especially westerns and espionage. He never met a stranger and made the best sweet tea…. well, the best AFTER his mother’s! He loved to laugh, and insults were his love language. He adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. What a wonderful legacy he has left to the world.

Visitation with the family will be held on Wednesday, August 31st between 4pm and 7pm and on Thursday, September 1st from 1pm until 2pm. Bobby will be honored at a Celebration of Life on Thursday, September 1st at 2pm at Hermitage Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens at 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN 37138.

“And think of him as living in the hearts of those he touched…for nothing loved is ever lost and he was loved so much.” Ellen Brenneman