Benny Keith Dukes, 78, of Anne Arundel County, MD (by way of Gaffney, SC), passed away on Saturday, June 13th, 2026.

Born to Warren OC and Minnie Lee Butler Dukes, Benny was raised on South Johnson Street in Gaffney, SC. It was there that he built a foundation of cherished childhood memories and a tight-knit circle of lifelong friends. He was a proud graduate of Granard High School, Class of 1966, where he was a member of the state championship-winning Marching 72 Trojans band.

Following high school, Benny attended Palmer Chiropractic School in Davenport, Iowa. Realizing that this path wasn't his true calling, his next chapter began when he was drafted into the United States Marine Corps. He served bravely on the front lines with Company C, 1st Battalion, 26th Marines. A Vietnam Veteran, Benny was the distinguished recipient of a Purple Heart.

Returning to civilian life, Benny embarked on a dynamic career. Although his jobs after the Marines were too numerous to mention, his varied resume included memorable roles working for the IRS, Pepsi Co., and in Spartanburg, SC, Crown Cork and Seal Co., and Hoechst Fibers. He also worked for PanAm, driving a bus for stewardesses in training—a job that occasionally had him riding along on practice flights to help simulate turbulence. He ultimately found his long-term career with the United States Postal Service, dedicating 32 years of service before retiring in 2001. At the time of his retirement, he proudly held the distinction of driving the longest rural postal route in the state of South Carolina. He earned several safety awards during his long tenure—an impressive achievement, even if his family affectionately remembers the "animal trophies" he occasionally brought home from his route.

A dedicated community leader and man of faith, Benny gave back to his communities in numerous ways. He served on the inaugural board of First Steps of Cherokee County, the City Zoning and Planning Committee in Gaffney, SC, and the Workforce Investment Board in Columbia, SC. His spiritual foundation was built at his home church, Limestone Missionary Baptist Church in Gaffney. He later joined Shalom Christian Fellowship before moving to Maryland, where he became a cherished member of Silas First Baptist Church of Millersville.

Above all, Benny was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his beloved spouse of 43 years, Katherine "Kathy" Price Dukes. His legacy continues through his loving children: Anna Dukes, Alexis Dukes, Kano Dukes, Lena Dukes Morris (DeAndre'), and Anthony "Tony" Dukes. He was a deeply proud grandfather to Aliyah Dukes, Emerald Withers, Isaiah Ragland, Delone McWhorter, Amaethyst McWhorter, Adion Morris, Harper Dukes, and Tunari Dukes. He is also survived by his loving brother, Warren Dukes (Myra), his brothers-in-love, James Anthony Price (Donna), William Price (Soney), and Robert Price (Barbara), as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren OC and Minnie Lee Butler Dukes; his parents-in-law, Brigadier General George Price and Georgianna Hunter Price; his siblings, Juanita Littlejohn (Douglas), Robert Dukes, Homer Dukes, Marcia Rodgers (Donald), and Samuel Dukes; and his beloved dogs, Ciroc and Crooke.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Benny's honor to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (stjude.org/donate) and Doctors Without Borders (give.doctorswithoutborders.org).

For those unable to attend in person, the Celebration of Life will be streamed online. View Silas First Baptist Church online via:

• FACEBOOK LIVE: Enter "Pastor Jesse Young" in the search bar.

• YOUTUBE LIVE: Enter "Silas First Baptist Church" in the search bar.