Ernest Dukes Jr

Ernest Dukes Jr., was born the youngest of 12 children on May 9, 1947, to the union of the late Ernest and Lilla Mae McIntosh Dukes in Palmetto, Florida.
Ernest completed his primary and secondary education in the Manatee County School System having graduated from Lincoln Memorial High School in 1965. Following his high school graduation, Ernest attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida where he also joined the United States Army ROTC program as a First Lieutenant in its 1965 class. During his time at FAMU, Ernest majored in Business Administration. He was actively involved on campus, having served as a Justice on the Student Government Association Supreme Court.
Ernest graduated from FAMU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and commissioned as a First Lieutenant in the United States Army in 1969. He served in the Vietnam War holding direct commands in the United States Army Corps of Engineers. Following his tour of duty, Ernest was honorably discharged and in July of 1971, awarded “The Bronze Star Medal” of the United States Armed Forces for his role in “ground operations against hostile forces.”
Upon completing his military service, Ernest joined Hess Corporation as a Sales Territorial Manager and held various managerial roles throughout his career. He later joined the Florida Department of Lottery, responsible for direct regional oversight of its American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance program of area merchants.
“Poppa,” as he was affectionately called, was an avid tennis player, golfer, and football fan who also deeply enjoyed the company of both family and friends.
Ernest was preceded in death by his loving parents, Ernest and Lilla Mae Dukes; and siblings – Mattie Lee, Carrie, Jeanette, Lilla Mae, Earline, Willie Lee, Steve, Johnnie and Jimmie Lee.
He leaves to cherish his memories two sisters - Ernestine (Myles) Thompkins of Riverside, California and Annie Lee Burnham of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

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