Gordon Sikes

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, March 10, 2010

Gordon Griffin Sikes died March 5, 2010.
Born in Booth, Ala., on May 4, 1922, to Belle DeRamus Sikes and Joseph C. Sikes, he graduated from high school in Autauga County and joined the U.S. Army at the outbreak of World War II.
After being honorably discharged from the service, he enrolled at the University of Alabama where he was a member of the Sigma Nu social fraternity and was elected Commander (or President) of the chapter.
He was a Jason and was elected vice president of the University of Alabama’s student government association in 1946.
He attended the University of Alabama School of Law, earning a bachelor of law degree in 1948.
He married Norma Lorraine Evers in September 1948, and the couple took up residence in Andalusia, which remained their home until Dec. 2005, when they moved to Tuscaloosa.
He established a successful law practice in Andalusia that spanned 40 years until his retirement in 1988.
He was president of the Covington County Bar Association and a state Bar Commissioner for several terms in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
He served several terms on the Andalusia City Council, and for 20 years was either a member of or the attorney for the City of Andalusia Board of Education.
He was active in the Covington County United Way Fund, president of the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce, president of the Andalusia Kiwanis Club and president of the county chapter of the American Red Cross.
Upon his retirement from his law practice, the Alabama Legislature commended him by resolution for his “outstanding achievements and community service.”
He founded, and for more than 30 years, served as president and editor for a social club called the “Gridiron Club.”
In 1988, members renamed the club, “Griff’s Gridiron club,” in his honor.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Norma Evers Sikes; son, Griffin Sikes Jr., (Ann McKimmon) of Montgomery; daughter, Margaret Sikes (Bob) Land of Tuscaloosa; daughter, Nancy Sikes (Joel) Dillard of Birmingham; daughter, Anne Sikes (Joe) Hornsby of Tuscaloosa; son, Steve (Lucy Arnold) Sikes of Tuscaloosa; son, Clay Sikes, Birmingham; grandchildren, Claire Sikes, Carolyn Land Williams (Brian), Ben Land, John Land, Miriam Dillard, Clay Dillard, Harper Sikes and Evers Sikes; a great-grandchild, Madeline Williams; and a nephew, Joseph Tankersley (Sue) Sikes of Seven Lakes, N.C.
A funeral service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Andalusia, Wed., March 10, 2010, at 11 a.m. with Dr. William Mallard and the Rev. Tim Trent officiating.
Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. at the church. A private interment will be held at Magnolia Cemetery in Andalusia.
Honorary pallbearers are Eland Anthony, Bill Baldwin, Sidney Fuller, Sidney Waits, Ab Powell III, Earl Johnson, Jerry Stokes and the former members of the First United Methodist Men’s Class.
A memorial service will be held Sat., March 13, at 4 p.m. at Capstone Village in Tuscaloosa.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to at charity of one’s choice.
Family and friends unable to attend the services may sign the guest book online at foremanfuneralhome.com.