Former Mayor and State Representative Bill J. Dukes passed away Thursday, December 18, 2014 at his home in Decatur at the age of 87.He was preceded in death by his mother and father, George and Virginia Dukes; his brothers Yuel, Buel, Connis, Jackie, Othel, Benny and Lloyd; his sisters Margie Erwin, Dorothy Hawkins, and Isabell Taylor.
Bill is survived by his wife of 66 years, Juanita, and sons Ronnie (Vicki) and Jeff (Ann), and daughters Sandra Barrett (Marty) and Pam Pike (Eddie). He was grandfather to Whitt Dukes, Peyton Dukes, Matthew Dukes (Leah), Meg Dukes Tanner (Weston), Lillie Dukes Pike, Kyle Dukes Pike, Jacob Dukes Bourland, Jake Barrett, and Hannah Barrett. He was great grandfather to Wilson Dukes, George Dukes, Helen Dukes, Jackson Tanner, and Riley Pike. Bill is also survived by two brothers, Robert and Jimmy.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 19, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Roselawn Funeral Home. The celebration of life will be held on December 20 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Decatur with Reverend Peggy McClure and Pastor George Sawyer officiating. Burial will be at Roselawn Cemetary.
Bill was born on February 26, 1927, in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. After graduating from Bevier-Cleaton High School, he joined the Army and served two years at the end of World War II. On December 27, 1947, he married Juanita Willoughby from Ohio County, Kentucky. After graduating from Bowling Green School of Business (now part of Western Kentucky University), he worked as a teacher and administrator. Bill and his family moved to Decatur in 1957 to begin work at Chemstrand Corporation. Shortly after moving to Decatur, Bill started his long career of community involvement, ultimately leading to a long career as a public servant. In 1968, he was first elected to the City Council of Decatur and served on the council until 1971 when he resigned to become the administrative assistant to the mayor. He served in that role until 1976 when he decided to run for the office of mayor of Decatur and was elected to his first of five terms as mayor. He served as mayor for 18 plus years until he resigned in 1994 to seek the position of representative for District 8 of the Alabama State House of Representatives. He served four terms in Montgomery until retiring at the end of his term in 2010.
Bill was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Decatur since 1957, having served as an elder. Bill’s community involvement, board positions, recognitions and awards are numerous, but his biggest reward was being a faithful servant to his Lord, his family, and his community. He loved all people regardless of age, race, or wealth. He believed that we all should be the best we can be, working together for the benefit of all. Building together today for a better tomorrow was his motto. He will be missed, but his legacy will always live with us for generations to come.
Serving as pallbearers will be Whitt Dukes, Matthew Dukes, Peyton Dukes, Weston Tanner, Kyle Pike, Jacob Dukes Bourland, Jake Barrett, and Nick Sparks.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Hospice of the Valley in appreciation of their support and loving care, the Morgan County Mental Health Association, or your special charitable interest.
