Leon Franklin Dykes

Mr. Dykes was born in Inverness, Alabama to Huey Leon & Ila Trawick Dykes, and was raised on the Fred Simpson Wildlife Sanctuary in Jackson, Alabama. He was a graduate of Jackson High School and served as the state FFA officer. He continued his education at Alabama Polytechnic Institute, known these days as Auburn University, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in education. He went on to teach vocational agriculture in Camden, Alabama, for over 9 years. While there, he was a member of the Camden Lions Club and served as President.

Mr. Dykes continued his professional work for Wiregrass PCA and then First Farm Credit, and held positions such as loan officer, branch manager, credit manager, and appraiser in the Andalusia, Ozark and Montgomery offices. After 31 years of helping farmers and promoting the agriculture industry in southeast Alabama, he retired.

Loving survivors include his wife of 26 years, Linda Stricklin Dykes; daughters, Elizabeth Starling (David), Angela Beck (Tony); grandchildren, Mary Margaret May (LC), Anna Marshall Starling, Chandler Allen Beck, Courtney Anne Black (Austin); and his sister, Shirley Dykes Silverman. He was preceded in death by his parents; his grandson, Hunter Russell Starling; and brother-in-law, Joel Silverman.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Dot Maulden with Compassus Hospice as well as his caregivers, Earlene Copeland, Fannie Croswell, and Carol Lee for their excellent care, support and kindness during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alpha Gamma Rho Educational Foundation at Auburn University where Mr. Dykes was a member.