Ludowici – Richard Allan “Ricky” Dykes, 74, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, Tuesday, October 25, 2022, after a long battle with cancer.  Ricky was born in Americus, GA on September 21, 1948, to Marion and Eva Dykes.  He was a lifelong resident of Liberty County until his retirement in 2011 when he moved to Long County.  He was a member and deacon at Jones Creek Baptist Church in Ludowici, teaching a children’s Sunday School class until his health failed.  Ricky retired from the Liberty County Sheriff’s Department after 20+ years.  An avid fisherman and hunter, he was often found at the river fishing.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Dykes Cook.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Kathy Welch Dykes of Ludowici; daughter and son-in-law, Amy Dykes-Jeffers and Jim of Boynton Beach, FL; son and daughter-in-law, Allan Dykes and Lisa of Ludowici; grandson and wife, Noah Woodard and Nicole of Boca Raton, FL; great-grandchildren, Mia, Dawson, Brooklyn, and Thomas; brother-in-law, Bobby Cook of Ludowici; nieces, Tracy Cook and Kristen Lauver and husband Rick.

Funeral services will be Saturday, October 29, at 2 PM at Jones Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Allan Pierce officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be Friday, October 28, from 6-8 PM at the church.

Active pallbearers will be Will Townsend, Jim Welch, Martin Welch, Rick Lauver, Matt Gibbons, and Mike Bass.

Honorary Pallbearers will be the Happy Travelers Sunday School class, Bo Hearn, Moe Gill, Gill Martin, Warren Brown, Clay Sikes, Candler Boyd, Wesley King, Russell Guyett, Jonathan Tilley, Chris Manning, Gary Richardson, and all active and retired law enforcement in attendance.

Remembrances are suggested to Long County CARES.

Family and friends may sign the online register at www.howardfuneralga.com

Arrangements are under the direction of Howard Funeral Home of Ludowici.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Ricky Dykes, please visit our floral store.