Wonderful Person by Diane & Jamie Boggs

Eric & Crystal. I will always remember your dad's big smile and always full of joy. Kindness was one of his his greatest virtues. I remember all of our little league outings and nights at the ball park. He always was so kind to everyone. He would always ask us to eat at that big Denny's or Burger King after ballgames. Sometimes me as a single parent did not always have extra money but your dad always wanted us to go along and told us if he ate we ate. It was such a tragic accident but God only takes the best young. We think of you and your family so often. We will continue to keepyou in our prayers. God Bless both of you. We love you. Diane and Jamie Boggs.

on 06.08.08

Remembered with Joy by Patrick Stalnaker

To all who knew Steve Dukes, the comments already made describe a man full of love and a passion for life. I can still remember you calling across the sanctuary on Sunday mornings "hey fat boy!" I also remember the way you used to fall asleep in "your" chair. But I also remember how surprised you were when we could take you in a wrestling match there in the living room. There are people who come and go without much notice being given and then there are those few who leave a lasting impression in your life and you were one of them. From the moment I was born until the day you left to spend eternity with the Father, you were someone I could talk to and you had such a caring heart. Thank you for being such a great father to Eric and Crystal and thank you for the legacy you left behind. You are remembered with joy this day as I look to the future when I will hear "hey fat boy".

on 29.07.08

A Wonderful Man by Kristen Parke Hitchcock

Dear Mr.Dukes,

You are a big part of how I became the woman I am today. You thought so much of me when Crystal was just starting the High School and you entrusted her in my hands. You made me feel so important. I remember all of the talks we used to have and I will treasure them forever.
The day you past away was the day God got a wonderful man that I know I will see again in the future. God works miracles in our lives and you happened to be onw in mine.
I am sorry that you had to miss watching your beautiful daughter and handsome son become the people they are today, but you definitely paved their way to a wonderful future.
I miss you dearly, but the fact that I will see you again relieves all of my pain.

Love,

Kristen Parke Hitchcock

on 24.07.08

Remembering Steve by Sandee Sytsma

Hi Steve,

I talk to you often but have never written my thoughts. My memories of you go back to when you were a little squirt and your Dad would bring you to the TECO office for a visit. You then became old enough to drive and with that came a car and a JOB! You were my favorite bag boy at Publix. It was about this time we started cheering you on every Friday nite during football season. You were an intricate part of the team with your great sense of humor and work ethic. Hank sure enjoyed you.

Before long, you were married and started your beautiful family. It was fun to watch you grow into a great provider and loving Dad.

My last memory took place on the Sunday before the accident. You, Karen, Harry, Trish and all the kids joined Hank & I at the beach condo. What fun. At one point I was sitting on the side of the pool (hair & makeup done!) when you mentioned I needed baptised. I assured you I had been baptised long ago and anyway we (Presbyterians) sprinkle. You said "We dont." The next thing I knew I was at the bottom of the pool. We all laughed for hours. As a matter of fact, Steve, most of my memories of you include laughter. You were one of a kind and we miss you.

I'm sure you and Dad are enjoying time together now. However, in Heaven there are no such things as bad weather and low market prices so I have no idea what you're talking about.

You are loved and missed.

Sandee for Hank, too

on 23.07.08

We miss you by Stephanie Hinson Sherwood

Dear Mr. Steve,

I don't think they could have picked a better song for you. I have never forgotten it in all these 10 long years. You have such wonderful kids, and I love them both. You were such a selfless and loving dad. Heaven got a great man that day. Despite the pain that will always be felt, we know there is life after this ragged earth is over. You have already seen it in all its Glory!! For that you are to be envied. You were so very loved by so many people. We will miss you!

on 22.07.08

My Dad by Crystal Dukes

Dad, I wish I knew where to begin but I don't. I know that I miss you more and more every day! So many things have happened that I wish I could have experienced with you, but I have to remember you have the ultimate VIP seat about us all! Bubba just got married! He married the most incredible woman! I know you would love her! Furthermore, I know you would be proud of the man your son has become! He's an incredible husband and she is the most adorable wife! I can't wait until the day I become "Auntie Crystal" and tell their children all about you! It's so funny to watch Eric; he's just like you in so many ways. He's had a variety of vehicles that have all remained spotless and in mint condition. Eric has your taste in jewelry as well. He has one of those things you had that you look through to see the clarity of a diamond just like you always did. He still goes to your jewelry guy Michael, that's where Eric and Ashley both got their wedding rings. There was a candle at their wedding in memory of you, it had a strawberry on it and Bubba walked me up to light it. Many people tell me that I have your personality, if it's half as vibrant as yours then I consider it to be the highest compliment I could receive. I have also inherited your sense of fashion, we both have great taste. I graduate in December, yippee! I will have a major in sociology and a minor in criminology from the University of Tampa. My walk across the stage will be dedicated to you. I still wear Estee Lauder makeup and still tell others' your joke, “God made man, God made woman and God made Estee Lauder to cover up that second mistake.” People just laugh when I tell them that! Papa and Nanny miss you sooo much! They keep your grave beautiful all the time! We still have our traditional Sunday lunches at their place. Papa still has Duke, his bird; Papa finally got Nanny a dog. Her name is Lucy; she is a teacup poodle and is absolutely adorable. I'm glad our dog Scarlett is in heaven with you! Most importantly I just want you to know how much I love and miss you! I guess when I was young I just assumed that every Dad was like mine. I now know this is certainly not the case! It is an honor and a true blessing to have you as my father! Thank you for all that you did for me and continue to do for me today! I love you Dad and miss you dearly! 

on 17.07.08

My Uncle Stevie by Charity Wright

It is difficult to truly characterize the depth and beauty of you, my uncle, in a paragraph. There are moments when I look up in the sky and think of you celebrating with our Heavenly Father and talking "shop" with Granddaddy Dukes. Your joy, generosity, compassion, love and work ethnic are just a few treasures that I still carry in my heart. You inspire me still to love unconditionally, to work hard and use the gifts God has given me for the betterment of our family.
I remember your laugh; the laugh that rang throughout nannie and poppa's house while at Sunday supper. I remember those blue blue eyes and how they sparkled with laughter and mischief. I remember how LOUD you used to talk on that cell phone (one so big that I called it the "Zack Morris" phone). I remember your love for Ford "Limited Edition" Explorers and how you used to marinate your grilling meat. I remember our last trip to Sugar Mountain and how you would bound up to the waterfalls with such joy. The way you would search for a beautiful Christmas tree to bring home to the family and how you slept outside of the Daniel Boone Inn restaurant on Thanksgiving morning so we could eat the delicious food and enjoy each other. Most of all, I remember the way you loved: whole heartedly and without concession. This was evident when folks showed up in droves to honor you. Your love was not confined to your family but saturated the world.
The day you left us is still so vividly etched in my mind. It was a day I cursed God for taking you because I did not understand how the world would function without you. It has been hard but with God's grace and prayer I think I understand...He needed you. Heaven is a better place with you in it and I look forward to seeing your face and being swept up by your big bear hug!

You are so beloved and ever present at Sunday supper, the holidays and at Eric's wedding day (thank you for the rainbow, by the way). All that you are, your children have become and I am so honored to have a family that loves each other without end.

I miss you and love you so very much. I will see you in the by and by, when once again we are united as a family to celebrate in God's glory.

My heart,
Char

on 16.07.08

Reflections of Steve ! by Harry T Clark

WOW, Steve's date of birth - (dash) the date of death is listed 1957-1998,The reason they could only put a dash is...there isn't enough space in the entire World Wide Web (www) to describe Steve's dash (-), symbolic for the life it represents....yes represents (present tense....Steve's memory lives on "Forever")!
Life is like a roller coaster with ups and downs, but Steve made it a priority,to make a friend everywhere he went!If you attended his farewell (funeral), you know what I'm talk'n bout! The church couldn't hold everyone.
If you were fortunate enough to be his friend and if he met you-you were, you were called "Bubba", if you were really close, you were referred to as "Hey Cod"
.....for the girls, he called you "SHOOG" and it didn't matter if you were 2 or 102, you were "SHOOG!"...short(or redneck) for "Sugar."
"Excellence" is the best single word to describe Steve, that was apparent in everything he did (the farm), everything he drove (I would save his used oil to put in my cars-it was so clean),as well as everything he wore (I still have one of his belts...and it fits now, he's laughing his head off!!)
Our fondest memory of Steve, was when we were in the Mountains (his favorite place to be)on vacation and he took a dare from Roy Robinson and I, that he wouldn't bungy jump....there was some money involved (sorry mom),but he wouldn't let his pride down..... the look on his face before he jumped was priceless!!! I'd love to see the video again!! We laughed so hard - we cried and after the fact Steve said he wouldn't do it again, which is an indication of how easy it is (for us men) to write checks with our mouth, that our body isn't willing to cash.....but if Steve said it - he did it!! Worth every penny-though, to me and Roy anyway!
We love Steve and all of the great memories we share and this is but a spec of Steve's "DASH", that touched so many lives in such a short time!!
May God Bless Eric and Crystal and the entire family with many GREAT memories of such a special person!
Hey COD, we miss ya BUBBA,

Harry

on 16.07.08

What a brother by Tammy Wright

I as your sister I never knew how much you were loved by so many people. You were my brother who I played with and fought with. I miss all of our times together around the dinner table when we could laugh and tell of our day. Our family had something special that I will never forget and that was love and TRUE FAMILY. We really loved each other even when you stuck your finger in my pudding at the dinner table. Bubba I miss your smile your laugh and your willing hand that always helped me out when I needed it. I also miss our Sunday dinners at mom and dad's house when you would tell dad "Dad please quit spending our inheritance. Also when you would read the newspaper and look for deals. You were always looking for deals. Your presence Bubba was amazing when you came in the room. I am blessed to call you my brother. Also I want to say Bubba you were a GREAT DAD! YOU would be proud today of our children they are certainly YOURS. I am looking forward to seeing you in HEAVEN one day. MOM and DAD miss you so much but you are always in all of our hearts. Today I am celebrating our life and the legacy it certainly left behind. I love you Bubba!

on 16.07.08

Remembering Your Amazing Life by Jessica McDonald

Mr. Steve,

I will always remember your vibrant personality, sense of humor and your love for Eric and Crystal. You were one of the most devoted parents I've ever met and Eric and Crystal were so lucky to spend the amazing years they had with you. You could light up a room with your smile and that is the Mr. Steve I will always remember! Thank you for raising such amazing children and leaving your big heart in them. You will always hold a special place in my heart and I celebrate your life with your family on this day and will continue to do so for years to come.

Love,

Jessica McDonald

on 15.07.08