George M. Sikes

George Madison Sikes, 80, of Howell, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 18, 2026, at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida.

George was born on August 22, 1946, in Jacksonville, Florida, to the late Dean R. Sikes and Myrtle “Honey” Roberson Sikes. He dedicated 30 years of his working life to the railroad before retiring from Norfolk Southern.

George was a proud Master Mason and a faithful member of Azalea Lodge #716. He dedicated 44 years to the Masonic fraternity and was also an active Shriner. His commitment to his Masonic brothers and the principles of brotherhood and service was an important part of his life.

Outside of his career and Masonic service, George found great joy in the outdoors. He loved hunting and fishing and was affectionately known by many as the “Deer Slayer.”

Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Ray Sikes.

He is survived by his wife, Karen McLendon Sikes of Howell, Georgia; daughter, Maredith Hall of Warner Robins, Georgia; son, Chris Hall (Laura) of Adel, Georgia; grandchildren: Cohen Moore and Everett Hall; sister, Audrey Scott (Phil) of Dublin, Georgia; numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, September 25, 2026 in the Chapel of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland with burial to follow in Greenlawn Cemetery, Lakeland, Georgia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Friday, September 25, 2026. Kind words and expressions of sympathy can be left for the family at www.musicfuneralservices.com. The Sikes family is being served by the professional and caring staff of Music Funeral Services of Lakeland.