Robert Vernon "Bobby" Sikes

Former Liberty County Sheriff Robert Vernon Sikes, 88, died in Savannah on September 26, 2016 following a long illness. Sikes attended primary schools in Hinesville and graduated in 1944 from Bradwell Institute.  At that time, there were only twenty-three graduates and Sikes was President of his class for three years, also President of the Beta Club and a District winner in track.  All of his sons followed in his athletic steps.  Sikes is survived by his wife, Carol Lynn Gillican, sons, Robert Clayton Sikes (Tracy), Stephen Craig Sikes (Dean), and Edward Gill Sikes and Grandchildren Stephen Scot Sikes (Jenny), Demere’ Sikes Bowen (Patrick), Stephen Slade Sikes (Amanda), Robert Trevor Sikes (Miranda), William Brett Sikes (Brandi), Samantha Sikes Lee (Eric), Ali Anna Sikes, Edward Garrett Sikes, one nephew, Paul Sikes Zechman (Marlene), two nieces and ten great grandchildren. 

Sikes attended the University of Georgia where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity.  He enlisted in the United States Navy toward the end of World War II, and was stationed in San Diego, California.  Following his naval service, Sikes attended Georgia Southern University where he met and married Carol Lynn Gillican of Brunswick – St. Simons Island, GA. They recently celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

Sikes operated a Western Auto Store in Hinesville and was a Chevron distributor for many years. When his father, Liberty County Sheriff Paul H. Sikes died in 1959, “Bobby”, as he was known, ran for his father’s unexpired term and won!  He retired after 29 years. His son, Steve, is the present Sheriff of Liberty County.

Sikes was president of Bradwell Football Booster’s Club which was responsible for building Olvey Field.  He was President of Hinesville Jaycees, a long-standing member of the First United Methodist Church, member of the choir and the A.G. Overman Men’s Bible Class.  Also, his membership included Alee Temple Shrine Club, the Georgia Sheriff’s Association and a charter member of the Hinesville Rotary Club. A section of I-95 was marked and dedicated to him on May 3, 2014. 

Sikes was instrumental in forming Coastal Area Planning and Development Commission which encompassed Liberty, Long, Bryan, Glynn, and McIntosh counties.  This Association was instrumental in procuring Interstate Paper Company in Riceboro.

Bobby’s father, Paul, started an annual deer hunt at Green’s Pasture in 1936.  The hunt was perpetuated by him and his progeny.  Through the years, Bobby became more famous for his Thursday night fish suppers which were given every week on his coastal property at Maxwelton Plantation.

Sikes gave much of himself to the county he loved.

Funeral services will be held at the First United Methodist Church, Hinesville, on September 29, at 11:00 am with visitation prior to service from 9:30 – 11:00 am at the church.

In lieu of flowers, contributions to a charity of your choice or the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association Youth Homes, P.O. Box 1000, Stockbridge, GA 30281

Carter Funeral Home Oglethorpe Chapel is in charge of arrangements.  Online condolences may be made at www.carteroglethorpe.com.