ROOSEVELT DUKES was born on March 16, 1922 in Clarendon, South Carolina. He was the fourth of eight children of the late Julius and Lilly Felder Dukes. He departed this life on July 17, 2017, at the rightful age of 95.

"Reds", as he was lovingly known to family and friends, attended school in Manning, South Carolina. The family moved to Baltimore, Maryland and attended Ebenezer Church on Montgomery Street. Reds started work early in life, helping his mom to maintain a home for his sisters and brothers.

He joined the United States Army in 1943 and was shipped overseas to fight in World War II. Reds was honorably discharged from the Army in 1946, with the rank of Private First Class. He met and married the late Helen Johnston Dukes; they were together for many years and out of their union they had two children, Shelley R. Dukes and Herman "Bunk" McCain.

Reds worked for Yellow Freight Trucking Company and retired in 1980. He always talked about his daughter Shelley and his grandchildren. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. However, his greatest passion was fishing, where he would spend hours trying to catch the "big one." In addition to fishing- Reds could often be found spending time at the "Gentlemen's Club" located off of Poplar Grove, playing cards, eating and having a good time.

After years of courting, Reds married Maggie Lee Redmond in 1990. Maggie and Reds were married for 17 years, spending time doing what they loved, until her death in 2007.

When his youngest siblings became ill, Reds was the patient, loving big brother who took his "Big Brother" title to heart. He was everything you would want a brother to embody.

In 2009, Reds married his lifetime friend, Mattie Dukes. They were married for eight years, and remained married until his death.

Those left to cherish his memory are: his wife, Mattie Dukes; his son, Herman "Bunk" McCain; his beloved daughter and caretaker, Shelley Dukes-Draine and his son-in-law, Delano Draine Sri his grandchildren, Delano Draine Jr., Jena Draine-Moss, Aaron Moss Jr. (grandson-in-law): his great grandchild, Aria Moss; his sister-in-law, Ella Brightmon; his step-son, Walter Smith; his step-daughters, Rosa Smith (step daughter-in-law) and Michelle Jones; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Viewing Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Thursday, July 27, 2017 04:00 PM - 08:00 PM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Directions Funeral Service Joseph H. Brown Jr. Funeral Home Friday, July 28, 2017 01:00 PM Email Details 2140 N. Fulton Ave
Baltimore, Maryland 21217 Directions