Henry C. Dukes Jr.

Augusta, GA – Entered into rest on Sunday, January 12, 2025, Henry Calhoun Dukes Jr., 89. 

Henry was a lifelong resident of the CSRA. He grew up in the May Park area of Augusta, GA where he started playing sports. Henry attended Boys Catholic High, now known as Aquinas, and excelled in football and baseball. His education continued at the University of Georgia where he played football and baseball. Henry won several prestigious awards. He was a teacher and the first football coach at Harlem High School, Harlem, GA. He also was a football coach at Jenkins High School in Savannah, GA. Henry was a former owner of several Wife Saver restaurants. He had a passion for cooking and sharing recipes with everyone he met. He attended Abilene Baptist Church. 

Family members include his wife of 24 years, Paula Hyams Dukes; children: Dorothy Sanford Sprecher (Don), John “Cal” Hardin Forrester, Debra Kay Dukes, Karen Sylvia McWhorter (David), Ashley Dukes (Amber Perry); grandchildren: Lindsay Anne Sprecher and Christopher David Sprecher (Elizabeth), Lauren Dukes Cobzaru (Vlad), Tyce Dukes, Ella Perry and Jack Perry; stepchildren: Billy Jackson (Robin) and Beth Rogers (Mike); step grandchildren: Brittany Rachels (Eric), Brooke McLeod (Thomas), Micah Hamilton (Todd) and Colton Rogers (Jodi); step great grandchildren: Will Rachels, James Rachels, Jackson McLeod, Sidney McLeod, Makenna Hamiton and Anna Hamilton and sister-in-law: Christine Deas Dukes and many other loving family members. He was preceded in death by his parents "Nannie" Sue Merchant Dukes and Henry Calhoun “PaPa” Dukes, Sr. and brother Willie Benjamin “Benny” Dukes.

The funeral service will be held Saturday, January 18, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet & Son with Rev. Bill Harrell officiating. Interment will follow in Abilene Baptist Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Saturday morning, one hour prior to the service at Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors.