Charles H. Dukes

Charles Henry Dukes Jr. 67, of Bogart, GA passed away Monday, January 31, 2011. A native of Hampton, Virginia, Mr. Dukes was the son of the late Charles Henry Dukes Sr and Eunice Hite Dukes, natural mother. He was a retired court reporter with the State of Connecticut and was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Oglethorpe Avenue in Athens, Georgia.

Survivors include his devoted wife, Emma McMeans Dukes of Bogart, GA; mother, Edith Dukes of Seabright, New Jersey; children, Michael Dukes and wife, Nichole of Watkinsville, Georgia, Kendra Burgos and husband, Carmelo of Torrington, Connecticut, Euletha Dukes of West Hartford, Connecticut, and Timothy Dukes and wife, Gergana of San Francisco, California; sister, Mae Dukes of Bronx, New York, and grandchildren, Caleb Dukes, Kameron Dukes, Aidan Bernhardt, Ethan Bernhardt, Aydia Burgos, and Ravyn Burgos.

Charles prided himself on providing for his family in every way, and although he was an excellent provider financially, the one thing that his family valued the most about Charles was the gift he provided of teaching them about our almighty creator. As the head of his household, he taught them (along with his loving wife) to appreciate spiritual things, instilled moral values into us, and encouraged us to have a relationship of our own with the almighty God Jehovah. Everyone who knew Charles instantly liked him, and friends almost instantly became family. He had a laugh that was infectious, and his smile was contagious. Through his many years of sickness, Charles very rarely complained, and graciously accepted any challenge that was put before him. Outwardly, he was always concerned about everyone else and how they were coping before he ever even mentioned his condition. One of his greatest joys was interacting with his grandchildren by playing with them, joking with them, and giving them loving direction. They affectionately called him “papa”. They loved him unconditionally, and always helped him with whatever he needed. Charles wasn’t a man of many words, but he never needed to say a lot to make them understand that he loved his family very, very much, and we loved him just the same.

Memorial services will be held 1PM Monday, February 7th at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses on Oglethorpe Ave. The family will receive friends from 5-7PM Sunday, February 6th at Bernstein Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.