James Frank Dykes, 89, passed away peacefully at his home Thursday, Dec 20, 2012, after an extended illness. He was preceded in death by his parents, Allen and Bennie Dykes, brothers Fred and Ernest Dykes, sister Eloise Dykes, eldest granddaughter, Lauren Nicole Austin, and son-in-law, Bragg Carter.

Mr. Dykes, a twin, was born December 18, 1923, in Josie, AL to James Allen and Bennie K. Dykes. After graduating high school, he joined the Navy where he served on the USS Monrovia in WWII. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he attended Auburn University where he graduated with a degree in Pharmacy in 1949. Mr. Dykes spent 50 years as a pharmacist, mostly in the small town of Brundidge. He eventually purchased his own pharmacy, Dykes Drugs, where he enjoyed serving the people of Brundidge and the surrounding area for 43 years. He was unwittingly forced to retire at age 76 due to health reasons.

Mr. Dykes was a huge Auburn fan and enjoyed many years watching his Auburn Tiger football team. In 2009, he was honored as part of the Golden Eagle (50th reunion) class. An active member of Salem Baptist Church, Mr. Dykes served as Deacon for more than 50 years. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, uncle and grandfather, but most of all, he was a faithful Christian and loved serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Those left to cherish the many wonderful memories include his best friend and wife of sixty years, Lois Shipman Dykes, his daughters, Anne Carter of Eufaula, Nancy Gunter (Tony) of Montgomery, Karen Outlaw of Troy, and his son and caregiver, Daniel James Dykes of Birmingham, AL, as well as two sisters, Frances Ingram, his twin, from Brundidge, and Exa Pouncey of Troy. He is also survived by his wonderful grandchildren, Laurel Motley (Blake) of Eufaula, Megan Henderson (Tyler) of Union Springs, Claire Carter, Eufaula, Taylor Gunter and grandson Kevin Holmgren, of Montgomery, AL, along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Mr. Dykes strongly believed in the goodness of humanity and he practiced this belief. The family wishes to acknowledge their gratitude to the caring individuals of Hospice Advantage, especially David Dewberry, RN, Dot Maulden, RN and Alesha, who provided such wonderful care and treatment support, most notably during his final weeks. The office of Dr. Mickey DiChiara and Jon Adams, PA, also provided tremendous support.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM at Thrash-Keahey Funeral Home in Brundidge, AL, with interment to follow at Green Hills Cemetery, 1621 South US Highway 29, Troy, AL, at 2:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Advantage, Salem Baptist Church or the charity of one’s choice.