Alphonzo Adiches, Sr., affectionately known by all as “Duke,” departed this life peacefully on September 4, 2026, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. In his final days, Duke was surrounded by family and friends, allowing him to leave this life with the comfort of familiar voices and loving hearts. He believed in God and in the promise of heaven and carried within him a belief that this life was not the end. Those who knew him best can take comfort in knowing that he faced his final days with that faith.

Born on March 2, 1945, Duke was the son of the late Cassie Allen Attucks and Samuel Attucks, Sr. He was educated at Atkins High School, where he began building the foundation for a life defined by hard work, determination, skill, and an unmistakable independent spirit.

Duke was a gifted machinist and mechanic and spent many years working for Schlitz and Stroh’s Brewing Company. A natural craftsman and entrepreneur, he also owned and operated his own well-known construction business, where his knowledge, dedication, and work ethic earned him the respect of many throughout the community. Construction was more than a job for Duke; it was a trade he took great pride in and was passionate about passing on to his sons and young people in the neighborhood, teaching them skills and values that would last a lifetime. He took particular pride in working alongside his children, teaching them the importance of hard work, perseverance, and taking pride in a job well done. Among his proudest accomplishments was the grand home place he built alongside his children – stone by stone, brick by brick, and board by board. It was a testament to his determination, craftsmanship, and dedication to his family.

Duke enjoyed winding down with good jazz music, watching his favorite cowboy movies, following racing and sports, and simply taking in the world around him. He especially enjoyed sitting in the front yard watching nature and waving at friends and neighbors, many of whom would blow their horns in respect and acknowledgment as they passed by.

Duke was a devoted father and took pride in the family he built and the people he welcomed into his life. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Patsy Adiches, Tyrone Adiches (Tonya), and Alphonzo Adiches, Jr. (Keisha). He was also blessed by the love and companionship of Brenda Anthony, his beloved partner to the end, who shared many years of life with him. Duke embraced her children, Kendra Anthony, Kennedy Wiley, and Christopher Boles, as his own, loving them as a part of his extended family and leaving them with memories that will remain with them always.

He is also survived by Irene Broadnax Adiches, wife and the mother of his sons, who was present and lovingly helped care for him during his final days.

Duke’s greatest legacy lives on through his family. He leaves behind fourteen grandchildren whom he loved dearly: Helen, Mohogonie, Bianca, Naiteria, Preston, Jynae, Aniah, Mario, Tomario Jr., Alana, Harmony, Ja’narri, Naomi, and Amira. Each carries a piece of his heart and the memories of “Grandpa Duke,” the man who made sure they knew just how dearly he loved them.

Among those who stood especially close to Duke during his final chapter was his devoted nephew, Pastor Charles Kennedy. Charles was a constant source of strength, love, and guidance, faithfully being there for Duke through the many appointments, hospital stays, difficult decisions, and long days that came with his final season. His presence brought comfort not only to Duke, but to the entire family during their most difficult moments and his unwavering love and service were a true blessing to Duke and to everyone who walked this journey alongside him.

Duke was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Mrs. Essie Kennedy, Mrs. Delores Kemp, Ms. Barbara Attucks, and Mrs. Nellie May Boyd; and his brothers, Samuel Attucks, Jr., Jesse Attucks, David Attucks, Eugene Attucks, Nathaniel Attucks, and Clifton Attucks.

He leaves to cherish his memory his sister, Mrs. Cora Roberson, his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, longtime friends, neighbors, and all those whose lives were touched by him.

Duke’s life was defined by hard work, family, laughter, stories, lessons, and relationships with the many people he knew and loved. And now, after a lifetime of building things with his hands and leaving his mark on the people around him, Duke has laid down his tools and gone home. May he rest peacefully in the presence of God, until we meet again.

Family and friends will remember and celebrate Duke’s life on Friday, September 11, 2026, at Russell Funeral Home, 822 Carl Russell Avenue, Winston-Salem, with visitation at 11:30 a.m., followed by his memorial service at 12:00 p.m. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather at Simply Sonya’s, 7843 North Point Blvd., Winston-Salem, at 2:00 p.m. to reminisce about Duke, share memories and laughs, and fellowship together as they celebrate the life and legacy of a man who touched so many lives.