Floyd Sikes, Sr.

Floyd Allen Sikes, Sr., 86, passed away Tuesday, January 21, 2014 surrounded by his family at St. Vincent Medical Center in Jacksonville, Florida. He was born May 6, 1927 in Callahan, Florida to Reverend Charlie Allen Sikes and Minnie Augustus Kennison Sikes. He was the fourth child of five children born to Charlie and Minnie Sikes.
During high school Floyd participated in a work-study program at Naval Air Station (NAS) Jacksonville. In 1945, he enlisted with the Navy, and served fifteen months in WWII. After the war ended, Floyd attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, where he obtained his certification in Drafting. He returned to NAS Jacksonville and worked as an aircraft mechanic for 32 years.
Floyd married Reba Faye Carter in 1952 and they settled in Folkston, Georgia. They celebrated 62 years of marriage on January 19, 2014. From their union, they had five children (Jenny, June, Steve, Floyd Jr., and Beth) and raised two of Reba’s brothers (Morris and Eugene). After retiring from NAS Jax, Floyd farmed their property in Charlton County. One of his greatest passions was working their land, and in the last several years he passed on the skill of hay farming to his grandson Rudy and nephew Jeff. He was an active supporter of the Charlton County Indians for nearly 55 years, running stats, writing articles, running the time clock, and volunteering numerous other services for his favorite high school team.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Reba (Carter) Sikes; daughter Jenny (Pete) Conner (Folkston, GA); daughter June (Chris) Huling (Folkston, GA); son Steve (Pam) Sikes (Folkston, GA); son Floyd Allen Sikes, Jr.(Valdosta, GA); daughter Beth Sikes-Roddenberry (Folkston, GA); nephew Jeff Sweat; grandchildren Bogan Brannen, Garrin (Nicole) Coleman, John (Erindel) Conner, Mandy (Chad) Crews, Erica Conner, Christin (Craig) Haynie, Justin “Rudy” (Kim) Crews, Shawn (Scarlet) Sikes, Neisha Sikes, Amber Sikes, Samantha (Chris) Sullivan, Casey “Tigger” (Tyler) Causey, Marcus Hubert, Lauren (Michael) Farmer, Maggie Roddenberry, and Olivia Roddenberry; 15 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Floyd was preceded in death by his mother Minnie Sikes and father Charlie Sikes; one brother Charles; three sisters Becky, Eunice and Zela; grandson Greg Coleman; and daughter in law Darlene Sikes.
Visitation will be held Thursday, January 23, 2014 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Shepard Funeral Home, 526 Oakwood Street, Folkston, Georgia. Funeral services will be held Friday, January 24, 2014 at 2:00 pm at Shepard Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend E.C. Crews officiating. Afterwards, graveside military honors will be provided by the United States Navy Honor Guard and life-long friend Bo Todd at Pine View Cemetery, Hwy 252, Folkston, Georgia. Pallbearers will be his grandsons: Bogan Brannen, Garrin Coleman, Shawn Sikes, Rudy Crews, Chad Crews, and Craig Haynie.
Condolences may be expressed by signing the guest register at www.shepardfh.com.  Arrangements are under the direction of Shepard Funeral Home, Folkston, Georgia.