Thomas "Tommy" Walter Dukes

Thomas "Tommy" Walter Dukes, aged 86, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at his home in Carriere, Mississippi on October 27, 2024.

He was born on November 22, 1937 to Alice and Thomas Dukes in Aliceville, Alabama. He spent his childhood growing up in New Orleans. Thomas was a graduate of Warren Easton High School and Louisiana State University where he set records in both the high jump and long jump in 1957.

Thomas was born and raised in the city of New Orleans and later was a resident of St. Bernard, Louisiana until hurricane Katrina in 2005 when he relocated to Petal, Mississippi.

In Chalmette Thomas worked at Kaiser Aluminum for 35 years and retired to open his own electrical company, Total Electric.

In his free time, Thomas could be seen enjoying a game of golf, or refereeing and leading the Game Cock Breeders Association for 50 years.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Alice Black Dukes and Thomas Hamilton Dukes, as well as his son Thomas Hamilton Dukes.

Survived by his loving wife of 63 years Gaynell Kenney Dukes, sister Juanita Huber and brother-in-law Bruce Huber and their four children, Kim, Dave, Bonnie, and Anne; children Teri Dukes Spiers and Timothy Dukes; son in law Michael "Biscuit" Spiers and daughter in law Jackie Navo Dukes. Grandchildren, Katie (Nick), Delaney, Brianna, and Brittan Dukes and Maranda Spiers.
Great Grandchildren Kaisen Fornea, Natalie White, and his newly expected grandson White.

He will be truly loved and missed by his family and friends.

A Funeral will be held for Thomas on Monday November 4, 2024 at 4PM in the chapel at Picayune Funeral Home located at 815 S. Haugh Ave. Picayune, MS 39466
Visitation to begin at 2PM.