Michael Dennis Dukes

Michael Dennis Dukes passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, surrounded by family at home. He was a caring husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. Mike was born November 4, 1952, in Winter Haven, Florida, to the late Beatrice Little Dukes and Carl Dennis Dukes. He enjoyed the friendship of his two older sisters Glennis and Susan and care from his Mimi Little and Grandaddy Bud. Mike graduated from Winter Haven High School before attending the University of South Florida. After graduating with a Bachelors of Science in Chemistry from USF, he attended the University of South Carolina. There he earned a PhD in Chemistry and a life-long love for the University.

Mike is survived by his wife Nancy, daughters Melanie Dukes Capo and Meredith Elizabeth Dukes, son-in-law Darrel Capo, and granddaughter Grace Anne Capo. He was preceded in death by his sister Susan Dukes Tucker, her husband Charles, his brother-in-law Gene Harrison and niece, Penny Harrison Bennett. He is also survived by his sister Glennis Dukes Harrison; siblings-in-law Linda Cirioli Brady (Larry), Carol Cirioli Ayers (Lee), and William Peter Cirioli (Tracy); fourteen nieces and nephews, their spouses and children. He loved spending time with them in his youth, and later in life at family reunions.

Mike worked at Harry’s Sunoco filling station in Winter Haven where he developed great knowledge and respect for cars. His love for chemistry was sparked by an inspiring high school teacher. This led him to consider a career in chemistry versus taking over at Harry’s Sunoco, as Harry had offered. Mike met Nancy Jane Cirioli at the University of South Florida. Though she first turned him down for a date, he won her over when her car broke down and he was able to repair it. Mike and Nancy were married in Hollywood, Florida in 1973 and drove to Columbia, SC three days after the wedding to start Mike’s graduate program.

Mike and Nancy settled in Aiken when he began working for Dupont at the Savannah River Plant. He enjoyed many years working there alongside colleagues who became good friends. Mike began teaching Chemistry at USC in Columbia in 2000. He retired from SRS in 2005 and began full time with the Department of Chemistry at USC. Mike loved teaching his undergrad students and guiding international PhD students as they adjusted to life here. He was voted top Chemistry professor many semesters and was honored when asked to teach a University 101 class for incoming freshman needing mentoring and care. He cherished his time with colleagues and students at the University.

In addition to work and family, Mike always enjoyed new projects. If he wasn’t writing a song, a poem or an editorial for The State newspaper, he was building something for the house or a contraption for his girls. He enjoyed reading in the mountains, playing frisbee, watching Gamecock sports, and cracking a joke to see everyone smile.

Mike loved being a husband, father, uncle, and grandfather. He was the kind of person who put others at ease. He was always pleasant company and always considered the needs of others above his own. Mike attended countless dance recitals, tennis matches, basketball games, and piano recitals for his daughters. He taught Sunday School with Nancy and served as a deacon at South Aiken Presbyterian. He coached church basketball and was a youth group leader with Nancy at First Presbyterian. Mike was a faithful friend. He will be dearly missed.

Mike entered into an eight-year Alzheimer’s journey in 2017. He received boundless love and care, first from close family friends, and later from many talented nurses and home health aides of DayBreak, Nuclear Care Partners, and Gentiva Hospice.

A memorial service will be held Friday afternoon, April 4th at 1 o’clock at First Presbyterian Church with The Rev. Dr. Chris Erde officiating. There will be a reception at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers his family would be honored by donations to further the education of students in the Chemistry Department at the University of South Carolina Columbia. Please contact Dr. Amy Taylor-Perry at taylora4@mailbox.sc.edu for details.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC