Jerry Lamar Dykes, 79, passed peacefully surrounded by his family at his residence in Stringer,
Mississippi, on Tuesday, April 4, 2023, at 8:05 PM. He fought very hard for many years with the
deterioration of his physical body, but his mind stayed sharp until the end. He was always quick witted
and funny with everyone he met. You could never tell just what he might say.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 60 years, Carolyn; his son, Chris; his daughter and son in law, Julie and
Gabe McNeil; their daughters (his proudest and greatest joy), Paige and Aubree McNeil; and the best
younger brother a man could ask for, Larry Dykes. Jerry leaves behind nephews and nieces, special
family, and friends as well. He was preceded in death by his parents, G.L. and Jewel Dykes, and his sweet
sister-in-law, Ann Dykes.

He was born on May 24, 1943, at home in Stringer, Mississippi. He graduated from Stringer High School
in 1961 and went on to attend Jones County Junior College where he graduated in 1963. Jerry married
his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Joyce Blackwell, on December 22, 1962, at Union Baptist Church.
They welcomed Christopher John into their home in 1970 and Julie Kelsy in 1980.

Jerry was a strong-minded, solid, loving, family man. He was a devout Christian, serving as a deacon for
many years during his membership at Stringer Baptist Church. He taught Sunday School, led
Brotherhood meetings, and was a servant whenever and wherever he was needed. He was also a
serviceman in the Army National Guard for 6 years.

Jerry had a love for horses and the outdoors like no other. He and his daughter rode the annual Dixie
National Trail Ride every year for many years. He loved ALL things western and watched Gunsmoke
hourly until his last days. He truly has seen every episode multiple times.

After retiring from his job at Hol-Mac, he and Carolyn set out across the United States with their
brother-in-law, Ralph Jones, as their official tour guide. They had a "bucket list" of places to see, and we
are so thankful they made the time to go. They were able to travel to Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho,
Nevada, New Mexico, Arizona, South Dakota, Montana, Utah, Missouri, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma
before he got sick and was unable to travel anymore.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 10, 2023, from 1000 AM until 1200 Noon at Colonial Chapel
Funeral Home of Bay Springs, Mississippi. Funeral services will be held directly following at 1200 Noon in
the chapel at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Bay Springs, Mississippi. Burial will follow at Union
Baptist Church Cemetery in Bay Springs, Mississippi. Bro. Travis Watkins will officiate.

Pallbearers are: Tommy Buckley, Matt McNeil, Wade Hosey, Jared Hosey, Shane Dykes, and Josh Dykes.

Honorary Pallbearers are: Larry Dykes, Terry Jones, Randy Jones, Jerry Wages, Larry Ishee, Mack
McAlpin, Paul Johnston, Charles Graham, Pete Terry, Buddy Jennings, Deacons of Stringer Baptist Church:
Glenn Myers, David Mosley, Reon Wade, and Grant Kelley, and the Class of 1961.

Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Bay Springs is in charge of arrangements. 601-764-2181