Dykes, Jerry

Dykes, Jerry

Jerry Dykes, retired minister at First Baptist Church, Sylacauga, died July 3. He was 74.

Dykes began his ministry at First, Sylacauga, in 1971 as minister of youth and music. During his 36 years of ministry, he served in many other capacities at the church including administration, senior adult ministry and leading various choirs and ensembles before retiring in 2007. Through First, Sylacauga, Dykes led several missions trips with different choirs from the church.

He also was a founding member of the Alabama Singing Men and received the Paul Stewart Music Award. He was a member of the Alabama Baptist Convention Education and Music Association.

Dykes held a bachelor’s degree from Troy University and was pursuing a master’s degree from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, when he enlisted in the United States Army. He was honorably discharged after serving in the Vietnam War. He then taught at Jefferson Davis Junior College in Brewton.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dinah; two children; and two grandchildren.