Rayfus Dukes, Sr.

1950 ~ 2025

Date of Death: February 17, 2025

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In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Dukes family. Rayfus' earthly temple is now resting in the care of Veasley Funeral Home. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Rayfus Dukes, Sr.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

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Rayfus Ulester Dukes, Sr., was born on July 30, 1950 to Christene E. McCoy and Ulester L. Dukes. He departed this life on February 17, 2025.

Rayfus received Christ at an early age and attended Union Baptist Church in Conway, AR in his youth. He was educated in the Conway public school system and was a proud member of Pine Street High School’s Class of 1968.

Over the years Rayfus held a variety of jobs and was affectionately known as “Unk” by the community. He loved his family. He was always there to lend a hand and prided himself on being the first to call his children, siblings, nieces, and nephews to wish them “Happy Birthday” each year. Rayfus was jovial, a great storyteller, sharp dresser and loved to entertain. His sense of humor and infectious laugh will never be forgotten.

Rayfus was preceded in death by his parents Ulester and Christene, sister Helen Waites and brothers Charles Morris and Randy McCoy.

He leaves to cherish his memory three children; RaQim (Rayfus, Jr.) Al-Salahuddin (Frances) of Little Rock, AR, Shatonna Dukes of Chicago, IL and Tyrell Tennyson of North Little Rock, AR. Sisters Opal McCoy and Joyce Dukes of Little Rock, AR, Barbara Fennell of Jacksonville, AR. Granddaughter; Britanee Stamper of Rockford, IL  Grandson; Marquise Carruth of Little Rock, AR. Great grandchildren, Keing and Derriana Stamper. Nieces; Brenda Bowdry of Chicago IL, Natema Wolfe of Little Rock, AR, Cledtra Allen of Jacksonville, AR, Tracy Waters of Saginaw, MI and Sharon Cole Smith of Mayflower, AR. Nephews; Jody Long of Chicago IL , Bruce Morgan and Marcell Fennell of Jacksonville, AR, Pastor Charles Morris and Eric Morris of Conway, AR,  Michael Morris of Jonesboro, AR, Charles Forte’ Jr. of Little Rock, AR. And sister- in- law Maxine Jones of Sherwood, AR, and a host of great nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

Walk through visitation for family and friends will be held Wednesday, February 26, 2025 from 12:00pm to 6:00pm at Veasley Funeral Home.

Celebration of life service will be held Thursday, February 27, 2025, 11:00am at Union Missionary Baptist Church, 1257 Lincoln St., Conway, Arkansas 72032.