Sikes, Alfred October 13, 1926-May 5, 2017
Alfred Sikes, 90, of Gibsonton, FL passed away on Friday, May 5, 2017 at Hospice House in Sun City Center surrounded by loving family. He suffered from many illnesses in his lifetime. He was a Lung Cancer survivor and had Heart problems which resulted in bypass surgery, a pacemaker and defibrillator, however, Dementia and Alzheimer's ultimately claimed his life. He was born in Wimauma, FL, but the family made their home in Ruskin, FL. Alfred joined the Marines in 1943 and was an extremely proud WW2 Veteran! After the war, he went back home to Ruskin and a few years later met and married his sweetheart Dorothy. They stayed in FL for a few years, but Dot missed her Dad who was a Methodist Minister in OH, so Dot and Al made Mentor, OH their home. He became a Tool and Die Maker and Dot worked for an Insurance agency. Throughout Dot and Al's marriage, they were able to fulfill a dream they shared! They travelled by automobile to every State in our Country except Alaska and Hawaii. Alfred lost his precious Dorothy in 1978 to ovarian Cancer, but remained in Mentor until he retired. Alfred came back home in 1993 to live in Gibsonton. He loved plants and flowers and he grew beautiful Orchids that he nurtured like babies! Alfred or (Uncle Al) as he was affectionately referred to by most was a special man! He is survived by two sisters, Gillie Baker of Apollo Beach and Maxine Dozier of Zephyrhills, one sister-in-law, Florence Sikes of Riverview, and a huge number of nieces and nephews spread out all over this great Nation. He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy Sikes, his mother, Willie Beatrice Sikes, his father, General Gardener Sikes, his sister Myrtle Clark, and brothers, Edgar and Mason Sikes. Visitation will be 10-11 am, with Service to follow at Serenity Meadows Funeral Home and his final resting place will be at Ruskin Memorial Park Cemetery on Friday, May 12, 2017. Flowers will be welcomed, however, if anyone would like to donate to his/her favorite charity in Alfred's name that would be fine, as well!