Howard A. Dukes, 95, of Odum, Ga. died Tuesday, January 16, 2024. The Wayne County native was a member and deacon emeritus of Altamaha Baptist Church.  He was a Wayne County High School Graduate, served two years as a merchant mariner and spent two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict where he was awarded the Purple Heart and Bronze Star Awards. After his military service, he worked for 38 years at Rayonier of Jesup in the electric shop and then became maintenance supervisor. Howard enjoyed gardening, camping and hunting. His former wife, Mary Ruth Jones Dukes preceded him in death along with his parents, John and Verona Dukes and brothers, Carroll and Gene Dukes.

Survivors are two sons, Allen Dukes and Paul Dukes, both of Odum; grandchildren, Sarah, Mary Beth, Madeline, Maggie and Will Dukes; a great grandson, Brody Stanley; sisters, Louise McDade of Savannah and Sharon (Robert) Jordan of Marietta; a brother, Ashley (Jill) Dukes of Odum; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be 2 PM Friday, January 19, 2024 at Altamaha Baptist Church with Rev. Ryan Wilson and Pastor Bob Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in the Altamaha Cemetery with full military honors. Active pallbearers will be his family.

Visitation will be an hour prior to services at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Georgia Hospice Care, 141 S. Macon Street, Jesup, GA 31545.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.