Sergeant First Class Roderick Dukes

January 11, 1951 - March 11, 2018

Retired Sergeant First Class Roderick Dukes, was born Thursday, January 11, 1951 in Bennettsville, South Carolina to the late Decoy Pigatt and Rosa Nell (Young A.) Dukes Williamson. He departed this earthly life Sunday, March 11, 2018 in Columbia, South Carolina. Roderick accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior at an early age. He joined and was baptized at Saint Michaels United Methodist Church. He attended the public schools of Marlboro and Richland Counties and was Drum Major for his alma Mata, C. A. Johnson High School. After high school, he worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) and Mental Health Specialist (MHS) for Providence and Crafts-Farrow Hospitals. “Slim”, as he was affectionately known, shared forty-six years in Holy Matrimony with Barbara Tiller Dukes, and to this union a son was born. Wanting better for his family, Roderick enlisted in the United States Army where he served his country honorably for twenty-one years. He retired as Sergeant First Class Dukes who was decorated with many achievements and medals to include: Non-Commissioner Officer Academy School, three Pay Development Ribbons, Army Good Conduct Medal, Oversees and Army Service Ribbons, a National Defense Service Medal with Bronze Service Star, an Aircraft Crewman Badge and Army Achievement Medal. SFC Dukes matriculated through the military in the following manner: Utility Helicopter Repairman, Primary Leadership CRS, NBC Defense CRS, BTC CRS, BSEP CBS, Advanced Non-Commissioner Officer Development CRS and the Communication Language Program. As a civilian, Roderick drove trucks long-haul until his desire and family needed him to be home. “Rod”, as he was affectionately known by his wife, was a generous, wonderful, caring and loving husband and family man who would assist anyone. He was best friend and brother to all and was very determined to encourage others to achieve their goals. He loved to assist family members further their education and had an opened mind and heart but, didn’t mind chastising you to keep in order. Roderick was a “jack of all trade” and historian who liked to work on cars as a “shade tree mechanic”. He loved his mother-in-law’s biscuits and loved to dress in style. He even had to wear his three piece suit and Stacy Adams to the table to eat his chitterlings on New Years Day. Sergeant First Class Dukes was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Printiss and Michael Crosland; two sisters, Regina Ross and Doris Moon; a father-in-law, Jesse L. Strong and a brother-in-law, Jesse Tyrone Strong. Left to cherish precious memories are: his devoted wife of forty-six years, Barbara T. Dukes; a son, Roderick Michael Dukes; three grandchildren, Jerry, KeeKee and Mark Dukes; two sisters, Shicasulyn (Harmon) Williamson-Simon and Annie Jean Cochman; mother-in-law, Addie Beatrice Strong; favorite nephew, “NuNu” Adam Williamson, special from Charles Blakley, and a host of other nephews, nieces, cousins, loving relatives and friends.