Horace Michael Sikes

Horace Michael Sikes, 66, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, September 19, 2012.

He was born in Wilmington, NC on July 16, 1946 and was the son of the late Thurmon D. and Ruby H. Sikes.

Horace was a life long resident of Wilmington and the Wrightsville Beach area. He was the owner of Bushranger Gate Automation Company. He loved and honored his country with service in the NC National Guard for six years. He was a graduate of New Hanover High School, attended Wilmington and Campbell Colleges, and graduated from Burnside-ott Aviation Training Center.

Horace was most know for his love of the ocean and spent many happy days fishing and diving the coastal waters of the Southeastern United States. He was well known, respected, and loved among the anglers of various North Carolina fishing clubs and tournaments. His active participation includes directing tournaments and teaching seminars sharing his vast knowledge and experience with others.

Horace began his scouting career as a young boy and spent many years as an adult leader with several local troops. He was also a Life Member of the Wilmington NC Elks Lodge #053, Mason Orient Lodge #319, and a former member of the Wilmington Jaycees.

In addition to his love of fishing, Horace loved aviation, and spent many happy hours flying his Piper Cherokee and was the happiest when transporting patients on Angel Flights. In recent years, his new water sport became metal detecting on the beach. Not only did he enjoy the surf in a new way but also met and corresponded during his sickness with new friends in this hobby via the computer.

All thru the years Horace’s benevolent spirit, in quiet ways, helped many, especially young people. He reached out to others with encouragement through his infectious positive attitude. His final contribution was a sacrificial gift to UNC Lineberger Cancer Center to further melanoma research.

Surviving is his loving wife of 36 years, Bobbi Y. Sikes; his sons, Christopher (Christy) of Wilmington, Taylor of Edisto, S.C. and Michael of Wilmington; his “Princess” Addison (granddaughter); father-in-law, Robert L. Yopp and mother-in-law Edna E. Yopp of Jacksonville, NC; brother-in-law Robbie (Ida) Yopp of Jacksonville; sister-in-law Mary (Frank)Richards of Greenville, SC and niece Allison (Curtis) Smith of Greenville, SC.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 7:00 PM at Port City Community Church in Wilmington, Visitation will precede the service from 5:30 – 7:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Lower Cape Fear Hospice, 1406 Physicians Dr., Wilmington, NC 28401 or UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, CB #7295, UNC-CH, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7295.

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Wilmington Funeral and Cremation, 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099