William Dukes
William Dukes Was born on, December 28th, 1923, to Abraham and Johnnie B. Dukes in
Cleveland, Ohio. He met the love of his life, Laura Knuckles, when he lived on 65th St. and she lived on 65th St. as well. They married on May 15th, 1941. William and Laura had 5 children: Barbara, Janice, William Ronald, Sharon, and Toni. William was known affectionately by many names to many people. He was Daddy, Grandpa, Uncle Will, Bruh, and Willie. He worked at Fisher
Body for 37 years before he retired in October of 1985. He was introduced to Nation of Islam in 1960 and became a Devout Muslim. He loved Jazz and Blues. He had an extensive record collection. He kept up with the latest technology. He enjoyed enlarging pictures and making copies of VCR tapes. He had an extensive collection of pictures and movies.
He loved to exercise and jog. The constant pounding of the pavement made his knees weak, and he spent the last 4 to 4 ½ years of his life unable to walk. He had a hospital bed set up in the dining room. He would sleep in the dining room, but all the rest of his time was spent in the family room, in his favorite chair, next to the love of his life for 80 years, Laura Dukes. He departed this life on February 7th, 2022.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, his brother, John, and his sister, Christine. he was the oldest living relative of our family. William leaves to cherish in his loving memory his beloved wife, Laura Dukes, 5 Children: Barbara, Janice, William Ronald (Barbara), Sharon, and Toni (Reuben. 11 Grandchildren; Robbin, Laura, Ronny, Nikki, Heather, Reggie, Danny, Scott, Reuben, Ronel, and Rashawn. And 12 Great-Grandchildren, and 1 Great-Great Grandchild along with Nieces, Nephews, and a host of other relatives.