Lewis County Herald - Serving Hohenwald, Lewis County Tennessee Since 1898

Carson Clay Dykes Jr., age 75, passed peacefully from this life into eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, June 11, 2021 at his home in Summertown. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Carson was born on February 21, 1946 in Porterville, CA to Carson Clay Dykes Sr. and Faye Dykes. He graduated from Porterville High School class of 1964. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1982, served in the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, and achieved a Bachelor of Science degree before retiring in 1992 as a decorated officer and Captain. While serving, he was awarded the Rifle Expert Marksmanship Badge 2nd Award, Pistol Expert Marksmanship Badge 6th Award, National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal 4th Award, Good Conduct Medal 3rd Award, Navy Unit Commendation 2nd Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation 3rd Award, Combat Action Ribbon, Galantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Action Medal First Class Color with Palm, Letter of Performance, Meritorious Mast 3rd Award, Recruiter of the Month, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Letter of Appreciation 2nd Award, Navy Commendation Medal 2nd Award and Certificate of Appreciation.

Carson was a devoted man of God. His love for the Lord and his faith in God deepened even more right up to his last breath. He was a member of the Baugus Church of God, pastored by Brother Kyle Conner. He was a loving husband, caring father, doting grandfather, and generous friend. He welcomed all who visited with open arms. Carson treasured the special visits from John, Robyn, Alyson, Derek, and Sarah; and Jori and Kaitlyn. He loved to drink coffee down at The Outpost at NACO with all his friends. He was a gifted storyteller and lived to tell of his adventures and share his life experiences. He loved to inspire young people to work hard to achieve their dreams and give encouragement and guidance for success to all the young people in his life. He loved to travel, play golf, and cook amazing food. He held the revered title of Chef Papa, when he traveled with family, for making the world's best tacos. He treasured family get-togethers, especially yearly trips with 36 members of his family to Florida. He loved to teach his grandkids and kids in the neighborhood how to pitch a softball, how to wheel and deal when buying a car, and cultivated a love for classic muscle cars. He was an avid reader and loved to share good books he found with others. He loved going to car shows and visiting the Barrett Jackson Museum. Carson loved the Lord his God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength; and he certainly loved his neighbor as himself. He poured out that love to his family and friends and desired to see all of us grow in our faith in Jesus Christ.

Carson is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Dykes; his dear sons, Evan Dykes (Michelle) of Dayton, NV and Kevin Folds (Juliette) of Woodbury; his precious daughter, Traci Applegett (Todd) of Rockvale; his treasured grandchildren, who called him Papa, Patrick Dykes, Brianna Berg and Tyler Berg, Devlin Folds and Lindan Folds, Ashley Parkerson (Jose Galvan), Andy Paison (Bobby), Brian Applegett (Taylor), Kellie Applegett, Jane Applegett, Victoria Satterfield, Hudson Applegett, Mollie Applegett, and Henry Applegett; his sister, Joanie Christl (John) of Iowa; his brother-in-law, Randal Morgan (Glynda); sister-in-law, Sarah Hoben (Mike); 10 great-grandchildren; seven nieces and 11 nephews that he loved dearly; and many cousins that were near and dear to his heart.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, June 18 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at the McDonald Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 19 beginning at 1:00 p.m. at the McDonald Funeral Home with Kyle Conner officiating. Burial services will be held in his hometown of Porterville, California.