Carl Dykes

Carl Wesley Dykes, 76, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, February 2, 2022. He was born on October 5, 1945 in Johnson City, Tennessee. Mr. Dykes was preceded in death by his mother and father, Raymond and Grace Dykes, and siblings, Larry Dykes, Ruth Chambers, Helen Miller, and Betty Alford.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jeannette Dykes; brothers Earl Dykes (Ruth), Albert Dykes (Marie), John Dykes (Merry), and Ray Dykes (Rhonda); sisters Ellen Laws, Verna Hughes (Buddy), and Sue Campbell (Junior); daughter Susan Garris (Paul); sons Michael Dykes (Christine Bishop), and Christian Dykes (Michelle); grandchildren Jordan Franklin (Jarrett), Ali Dunaway (Nathan), Alex Corley (Katie), Alyssa Lipowski, Austin Dykes, Mikaela Dykes, Cheyenne Dykes, Evelyn Dykes, Cassidy Dykes, Xavier Dykes, Kirana Dykes, Kyra and Decimus Dykes (mother Ashley), and Dakota Dykes; great-grandchildren Evelyn Dunaway, Jase Franklin, Eden Dunaway, Robert Alten Franklin, Emery Dunaway, Quinn Franklin, Daniel Dunaway, and Charlie Beth Corley; and many nieces and nephews.

As a young man, he left high school to serve in the United States Navy and fight in the Vietnam War. He was later awarded an honorary diploma from his high school. He then served in the United States Air Force and the Alabama National Guard where he received the following awards and medals: Meritorious Service Medal; Air Force Commendation Medal; Air Force Achievement Medal; Air Force Outstanding Unit Medal with 3 Oak-Leaf Cluster; Air Force Good Conduct Medal; Vietnam Service Medal with 3 stars; National Defense Service Medal- 2nd Award; Air Force Longevity Service Medal with 4 Oak-Leaf Cluster; Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Gold Hour Glass; Air Force Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak-Leaf Cluster; Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Military Education graduate; Air Force Small Arms Expert; Air Force Training Ribbon; Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal; Alabama National Guard Commendation Medal; Alabama National Guard Faithful Service Medal with 3 Bronze Crosses; Alabama National Guard Active Duty Basic Training Ribbon. He, also, served a full career in law enforcement in the United States Marshal Service. He graduated college from the University of Alabama- Birmingham with a degree in Criminal Justice. He was a historian for the Birmingham Genealogical Society and developed a website to help identify, locate, and repair or replace damaged and vandalized gravestones (dixiestones.net). He was an active member of The Healing Place Church, where he was a member of the choir. He was a loving man and a devoted follower of Christ. He will be greatly missed.

A public visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at The Healing Place Church at 11:00AM followed by a service at the church at 12:00PM. A graveside service will follow at Jefferson Memorial in Trussville, where he will receive a military burial in a dedicated area for veterans. After the service, all are welcome to join the family back at the church for a dinner provided by incredible friends. In lieu of flowers, Mr. Dykes has requested donations be sent to the Tunnel for Towers Foundation.