William Lykens

William M. (Bill) Lykens passed away January 22, 2013 at home surrounded by family and friends. He had a 2-year battle with Lou Gehrig's disease but he was a blessing to all who came to visit him. Bill was born in the small town of Mahan, West Virginia on Sept 19, 1923. He lived in WV until the age of 23 when he moved to Pittsburgh, PA and worked in the sheet metal industry. He was transferred to Birmingham in 1970 and one of the projects he was proud to have worked on was the BJCC. He later went into the welding business and had his own shop, Bill Lykens & Son Welding Co., on Birmingham's south side for almost 40 years. He retired in 2011 at the age of 87 due to declining health. Bill served in the U. S. Navy in World War II, and with the help of a neighbor he was awarded his medals in 2004. He also received his honorary high school diploma from East Bank High School in 2003. He was so proud of both of these events. He was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Pinson, AL and he loved God with all his heart, and was ready to leave this old earth for his heavenly home. Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Louise Williams Lykens, his father Hobert Lykens, mother and step-father, Clara and Joe Sloan, and two brothers, Edward and Jess. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie Lykens, sons Jim of Pittsburgh, PA, Bill (Tina) of Locust Fork, , daughters: Gloria Swoager (Jim) of Trussville, Michele Kornegay (Mack) of Bessemer, Tami Lykens (Larry Cooper) of Irvine, CA and Melissa Brockman (Bobby) of Birmingham. He has 13 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Service will be Saturday, January 25 at 12 noon at The Church of God of Prophecy, 6317 Hwy 79 in Pinson, AL with Dr. Phil Pruitt and Bishop Bill Noe officiating. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service. The body will later be cremated and his ashes taken to the mountains of West Virginia, which he loved. You may send flowers or make a donation to the Church of God of Prophecy, Building Fund, 6317 Hwy 79, Pinson, AL, or to your favorite charity. A special thanks to the folks at Amedisys Hospice Care, especially his CNA Tish Burgess who always brought a smile to his face. Jefferson Memorial Trussville directing.