robert lee dukes
1924-1980
Life Story
Early Life & Roots in Jasper and Newton Counties
Robert Lee Dukes was born in Jasper County, Mississippi, near the community of Montrose, to Ezra Dukes and Nina Mae Evans Dukes. Historical records contain slight variations regarding his birth year, but his military and burial records consistently identify November 13, 1924, as his birth date.
Robert spent his childhood in the neighboring counties of Jasper and Newton, growing up during the difficult years of the Great Depression. Like many rural African American children of his generation, he attended local schools while also contributing to the work required to support the family farm.
By 1940, fifteen-year-old Robert had completed the fifth grade and was living with his parents in Newton County. Census records describe him as an unpaid family farm laborer, working alongside his father and older brother, Marten, helping cultivate the land that sustained the family.
Answering the Call During World War II
As the United States mobilized for World War II, Robert became part of the generation whose lives were forever shaped by military service.
On March 13, 1943, he registered for the military draft in Lawrence, Mississippi, while employed by Henry Warren. His registration described him as 5 feet 6 inches tall, with a dark complexion, black hair, and brown eyes.
Later that year, Robert enlisted in the United States Army at Camp Shelby, Mississippi. Military records differ slightly on the exact enlistment date, recording either June 3 or June 10, 1943, but both confirm that he entered active service during the height of the war.
Serving as a Private First Class (PFC), Robert faithfully performed his duties until receiving an honorable discharge on February 24, 1946, following the Allied victory. Like countless veterans of his generation, he returned home prepared to build a future in the community he loved.
Building a Home & Raising a Family
After returning from military service, Robert married Grenada Simmons, beginning a partnership that would span more than three decades.
The young couple established their home along Conehatta-Lawrence Road in Newton County, where they began raising a family rooted in faith, hard work, and close family ties.
By 1950, Robert was employed in the area’s logging and sawmill industry, sawing logs for a local mill. Timber had long been one of Mississippi’s most important industries, and the physically demanding work performed by men like Robert helped support both their families and the regional economy.
Together, Robert and Grenada became the parents of twelve children—five sons and seven daughters. Their home was one of constant activity, reflecting the close-knit family life that characterized many rural African American households during the mid-twentieth century.
A Life of Work and Devotion
Throughout his adult life, Robert remained deeply connected to Newton County, where family, church, and honest labor defined his daily life.
Like many veterans who returned home after World War II, he quietly resumed civilian life without seeking recognition for his military service. Instead, he devoted himself to providing for his wife and children, earning a living through demanding manual labor while helping guide the next generation.
His life reflected the determination of many Mississippi veterans who exchanged military uniforms for work clothes and continued serving their families through diligence and sacrifice.
Final Years
Robert Lee Dukes passed away on July 1, 1980, at the age of fifty-five.
Funeral services were held on July 6, 1980, at Union Chapel United Methodist Church in Lawrence, Mississippi, with Rev. Jerry Collier officiating. Arrangements were entrusted to W. F. Mapp Funeral Home.
He was laid to rest in Union Chapel Community Cemetery, surrounded by the community where he had lived, worked, and raised his family.
Legacy
Robert Lee Dukes belonged to the generation often remembered as America’s “Greatest Generation.”
He experienced the hardships of the Great Depression, answered his nation’s call during World War II, returned home to build a family, and spent the remainder of his life providing for those he loved through honest labor.
At the time of his passing, Robert was survived by his devoted wife, Grenada Dukes; twelve children living in Mississippi and beyond; fourteen grandchildren; and a large extended family whose lives reflected the values he instilled through quiet example.
His legacy is measured not only by his military service or years in the logging industry, but by the family he helped build and the steadfast commitment he demonstrated throughout his life. Through his descendants, Robert’s story continues as part of the enduring history of the Dukes family and the Lawrence community.
Resting Place
Union Chapel United Methodist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- U.S. Federal Census records, 1930–1950, Jasper and Newton Counties, Mississippi.
- World War II Draft Registration Card for Robert Lee Dukes, March 13, 1943.
- U.S. Army enlistment and honorable discharge records, 1943–1946.
- Mississippi marriage records for Robert Lee Dukes and Grenada Simmons.
- Obituary of Robert Lee Dukes, July 1980.
- Burial records, Union Chapel Community Cemetery, Lawrence, Mississippi.
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