WILLIAM (BILL) RAYMOND SIKES's Obituary
William (Bill) R. Sikes, Sr. passed away Sunday August 5, 2007 peacefully and at home. He was in the company of his loving family. He was born in Upland, California May 21, 1930 and lived his entire life in California – the last 35 in Highland in the home he so loved. Proceeded in death by his parents Melvin M. Sikes and Elda A. Sikes and one sister Lorraine. Bill married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Vaught in 1948 and brought two baby boys into their lives; William R. Sikes, Jr. and Kenneth M. Sikes. Through divorce this union ended. Bill was the ultimate entrepreneur – his mind was always turning. His work career started as a “fly boy” at the Sun Company – later becoming a Supervisor for the newspaper carriers and then a Dealer for same company. Bill was a very competitive individual and worked very hard each year on the “Young Columbus” contest that was offered by the Sun. The winner of Young Columbus won a fabulous trip to Europe. The object of the contest was to sell the most subscriptions to the newspaper…One of Bill’s carriers won the contest 14 years in a row. His spirit remains in many of his carriers, who went on to be true assets to the community in many fields of employment or owning their own business. It was at this time Bill met and married his soul mate and best friend Barbara…he also accepted and adopted her three children Tamara, Rick and Thomas as his own. Together, Bill and Barbara started and sold several businesses – keeping and operating APS Affiliates, Inc. for 35 plus years. Selling the business in April 2004. Bill was very proud that several of the employees celebrated 25 years of loyal service. Bill’s energy was endless he was an activist for the city of San Bernardino participating in the Neighborhood Watch Program - his theory was “to have a healthy business – you need to have a healthy community.” He assisted in citywide cleanup programs and was proud to be a 15-year member on the board of the National Night Out event held every August. Bill received many certificates of appreciation from city officials over the years. He was a member of the Native Sons of the Golden West for over 25 years, member of the Elks Club in San Bernardino, Kiwanis Club, Baseline Area Business Association, Salvation Army ARC and past president of New House Inc. Bill was instrumental in the rehabilitation of many graduates of New House Inc. and offered them support and employment. Bill leaves the best of memories and love to his wife Barbara Jeanette; five children: Bill Sikes, Jr. (Pamela), Kenneth Sikes (Amber), Tamara Leslie, Rick Sikes (Rebecca) and Thomas Sikes; Eleven Grandchildren: William Sikes III, Sean Sikes, Terra Kavanagh (Robert), Kenneth Sikes Jr., Lacey Sikes, Kimberly Fryer, Kari Anne Leslie, David Leslie, Meghan Sikes, and Rachel Sikes and Thomas D. Sikes; five great grandchildren; Ian Sikes, Liam Sikes, John Connor Kavanagh, Ava Lee Kavanagh and Quinn William Kavanagh; his brother Donald Sikes (Josephine) of Yucca Valley, and many nieces and nephews; his best friends Buddy the Beagle, Sweetie his 15 year old cat and Gordie the six year old the cat. In addition there were countless friends and business associates. Services will be held Thursday 10am at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel, 1299 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino. Interment will be at Mt. View Cemetery, 570 E. Highland Ave., San Bernardino.Viewing will be Wednesday at 5-7 pm at Bobbitt Memorial Chapel.
What’s your fondest memory of WILLIAM?
What’s a lesson you learned from WILLIAM?
Share a story where WILLIAM's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with WILLIAM you’ll never forget.
How did WILLIAM make you smile?