William Frank

"Billy Boy" Dukes, Sr.

Mr. William Frank Dukes, Sr., was born on June 25, 1941, to the late Jimmy Dukes, Sr., and Stella Reid Dukes in Griffin, Georgia. William was born into a large loving family.

"Billy Boy" as he was affectionately called by his family and friends attended Moore Elementary School and Fairmont High School, where he graduated in the Class of 1961. In high school he played football and he was the Captain of the football team. He furthered his education at Albany State University in Albany, Georgia.

William accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Griffin, Georgia.

Mr. William Frank Dukes, Sr., was united in holy matrimony with Ms. LeeAnna Barkley on May 10, 2019 in Griffin, Georgia.

William was employed by General Motors, Russell Construction and the family business Dukes Home Improvement, where he worked until his began to fail. In his leisure time he enjoyed watching football and basketball games, watching golf, he was a jokester and he was always the life of the party. The most important thing in his life was spending time with his family and friends.

On Sunday, September 27, 2026, our Heavenly Father called Mr. William Frank Dukes, Sr., home where he will forever dwell in God's presence. William is now set free from all sickness and pain. Rest now in peace and comfort, your journey has ended, battle fought, and victory won. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jimmy Dukes, Sr., and Stella Mae Reid Dukes; brothers, Richard Dukes, Greer Dukes, Tyrone Dukes, and John Dukes, and his sisters, Betty Dukes, and Jeanette Dukes.

Mr. William Frank Dukes, Sr., leaves to cherish his memory in the heart of his loving and devoted wife, Mrs. LeeAnna Barkley Dukes; their children, Dovie Smith, William (Marcie) Dukes, Jr., Selina Dukes Walton, Deirdre (Apostle Dr. Oliver) Leaks, Anthony Barkley, Lisa Barkley, and Joe (Danita) Puckett; his siblings, Betty Washington, Ann Dukes Lucier, Ronald (Zina) McCord, and Janie (Louis) Douglass; aunt, Hattie May Worthy; sisters-in-law, Pamela Barkley, and Clara Solomon; brothers-in-law, Starling (Liz) Barkley, Freddie Barkley, and James (Princess) Barkley; 42 grandchildren, 25 great grandchildren, and a host of great great grandchildren. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will miss him dearly.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Burden's Funeral Home. Service will be held on Friday, October 2, 2026, at 11:00 Am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service hour. Intement will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery. Pastor Keynon Jackson is the Pastor of Mt. Zion and the Officiant, and Rev. Dr. Cleopatrick Lacy is the Eulogist.