On April 14, 2023, Johnnie J. Dukes, Jr., passed away at St. Joseph’s/Candler Hospital after an extended illness, surrounded by his family. He was 77 years old.

Johnnie was born on May 2, 1945 in Macon, Georgia to Johnnie J. Dukes, Sr. and Lorella Sanders Dukes. He lived in Macon for most of his life and retired to Savannah in 2018.

Johnnie was a “man for all seasons”. He was a very tall man, larger than life in so many ways. He had an incredible sense of humor, lived his life to the fullest, and enjoyed every precious minute of it. His travels and experiences were endless, making friends everywhere he went, and his tales from those adventures were too humorous to capture and recreate.

Johnnie graduated in 1963 from Lanier High School in Macon, Georgia. He continued his studies at the University of Georgia where he played basketball, was a member of the SAE fraternity, and earned a B.S. degree in business and economics. He also served his country in the Air Force Reserves. During his career, he worked for the Chevrolet division of General Motors, where he was the youngest district manager ever hired. He built many subdivisions, including Rivoli Lakes in Macon, as well as several hotels, shopping malls, office complexes, and apartment buildings in other cities and states. In Savannah, he worked for Union Camp and helped with the development at The Landings on Skidaway Island in Savannah, Georgia; his favorite place!

Johnnie was a great athlete and loved the outdoors. He enjoyed bird hunting and fishing all over the world. Family and friends were most important to him. He is remembered for his heart of service and care for others.

Johnnie was preceded in death by his father and mother Johnnie J. and Lorella Dukes, his two sisters, June Dukes and Joan England, and a nephew, Andy England. He is survived by his loving son, John W. Dukes, his granddaughter, Elizabeth Dukes, and his companion of 12-1⁄2 years, Susan McGrath Mason, all of whom he loved dearly. He is also survived by a cousin, Mark Driggers, a brother-in-law, Marshall England, a nephew, Greg England (Lesha), a niece, Beth England, and a great nephew, Drew England (Katelyn).

A celebration of life service will be held on May 13, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at North Macon Presbyterian Church on Bass Road in Macon, Georgia with The Rev. Hunter Stevenson and The Rev. Joe McDaniel officiating. There will be a reception following the service where the family will receive friends. At a future date, Johnnie requested his ashes be spread across the low country saltwater.