E. Duwayne Dukes

Elvie Duwayne Dukes 92 of Smyrna passed away Saturday, December 2, 2023.

He was born in Carrollton, Georgia on April 7, 1931, to the late Robert John and Elvira Eunice Dukes.

Duwayne had spinal meningitis when he was 5 years old that resulted in his hearing loss. He attended Georgia School for the Deaf where he participated in most of the school athletic teams. He graduated in 1949 and attended Gallaudet College following that.

Duwayne went on to become a printer, he worked at the Atlanta Journal Constitution, and later moved to Chicago for a short while working at the Chicago Tribune. Chicago was where he met a good friend Russell Dolan who was involved in organizing the Chicago Telecommunications Club of the Deaf (CTCD). Duwayne was the first president. When returning to Georgia in 1977 he continued on at Gallaudet College and received his bachelor’s degree.

Duwayne enjoyed woodworking and attended Crucell Freeman Church for the Deaf.

He is survived by his wife Sandra Dukes, his children, Robbie Dukes, Selah Washington, Lilah Dukes, and Laurie Wood, he has 9 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren as well as many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.

Duwayne is preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, John “JW” Dukes, Ray Dukes, Cecil Dukes, Bobby Dukes, and Ed Dukes.