Lawrence M Dukes

Branchville Lawrence M. Dukes, Jr., 73, of Steedly Street in Branchville, died Monday, July 17, 2017 at Jolly Acres Nursing Home. Mr. Dukes was born in Branchville, the son of the late Lawrence M. Dukes and Gladys McAlhany Dukes. He was a lifelong resident of the Branchville Community and member of Branchville Baptist Church. He was a founding member of the Branchville Rescue Squad, founding board member of Lowcountry EMS Council, and a member of the Branchville Fire Department. Known to his family and friends as "L.M.," he formerly owned Hughes & Dukes Gulf Station and worked for many years at the Naval Shipyards in Charleston. He proudly and happily served Branchville and Smoaks for the US Postal Service for more than 30 years as a mail carrier. Funeral services will be held at Branchville Baptist Church in Branchville with the Rev. Charles Bradley and Allen Woodard officiating, at 3:00 P.M., on Thursday, July 20, 2017. The family will receive friends one hour before services. The family will also receive friends at the residence of Terry and Tammy Hunt at 7010 Freedom Road. He is survived by his wife of 51 years Elaine H. Dukes of Branchville; two brothers Toby (Regina) and Luther Dukes of Branchville; three daughters: Tammy D. Hunt (Terry) of Branchville, Kerri Goust (Ed Milligan) of Durham NC, and Wanda D. Fitzgerald (Tim) of Timberlake NC; three grandchildren raised as his own children from a very young age: Joshua Platt of Orangeburg, Kelsey Platt of Branchville, Katie (Juanita) Platt of Kansas City, MO; eight grandchildren: Aireana Goust of Durham NC; TJ (Logan) Hunt and Stephen Hunt of Branchville; and Mason, Avery, Brady, Paige, and Landon Fitzgerald of Timberlake NC; two unborn great grandchildren; a number of cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. He is preceded in death by one daughter, Kimberly D. Platt of Branchville and one granddaughter, Faith Fitzgerald of Timberlake NC. Pallbearers will be Joshua Platt, Tim and Mason Fitzgerald, TJ and Stephen Hunt, and Billy McCormick. Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Hunt, Johnny Norris, Vernon Ott, Jr., Allen Ott and David Ott. Memorials may be made to Ott Funeral Home, P.O. Box 96, Branchville SC 29432.

Lawrence M Dukes

August 25, 1943 - July 17, 2017