Willis Dykes

Willis Dykes, 62, of the Beech Creek community of Rogersville, went to be with the Lord Sunday, October 12, 2008 with his family by his side after a brief battle with cancer.

Mr. Dykes was employed with Begley Development/Begley Builders for 25 years as a trim carpenter.

He was of the Baptist faith.

Preceding him in death were his father, Bob Dykes; brother, Robert Dykes; sister, Brenda Dykes Clark; brother-in-law, Jerry Clark; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jim and Audrey Spears; and brother-in-law, Jackie Spears.

He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Wilma Spears Dykes; mother, Willie "Bill" Dykes; son, Ricky Mendenhall and wife Sandy; daughters, Pam Mendenhall, Trina Conkin and husband Chris, Vicky Dykes and fiancé Bill Benton; four grandchildren, Kevin Mendenhall and fiancé Brooke Self, Wayne Parrott, Travis Conkin, and Amanda Conkin; niece, Debbie Conkin and husband Randy; great-niece, Tracy Benton; great-nephew, Austin Conkin; and special family friend, Margaret Matthews.

Special thanks to Wellmont Hospice nurse, Renee Skelton, for the special care she gave dad.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Fall Branch or any time at the home.

Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Services will follow at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at the Fall Branch Chapel with Rev. Clinton Ramey and Rev. Orville Dolen officiating. Music will be provided by Nate and Judy Mullinex.

Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Dykes Family Cemetery in Rogersville.