WAYCROSS — Michael “Mike” Sikes, 74, entered into eternal rest and was reunited with the love of his life, Billie Ruth Booth Sikes, Thursday, February 19, 2026.
Sikes was born August 6, 1951, in Waycross to Chester and Juanita Boyette Sikes. He was known throughout his life for his loyalty, generosity, and love for those around him.
Sikes worked many years as a welder fabricator with Ace Equipment Company, before beginning his career with Huey’s Welding Inc., where he retired after 13 years of service. He was known for his strong work ethic, quiet dedication, and the pride he took in providing for his family.
A devoted husband, Sikes loved his wife, Billie, deeply and faithfully standing by her side throughout her long battle with heart failure. The two shared 47 years of marriage, a lifetime of love, loyalty, and companionship that defined who he was as a man and partner.
He was a big fan of NASCAR racing and the Georgia Bulldogs, rarely missing a race or game if he could help it. Sikes loved cooking and was always trying new recipes, often sharing meals with family and friends.
Sikes also had a gift for storytelling — whether talking with family, friends, or someone he had just met — he always had a story to tell and a way of making people feel welcome. Sikes was a member of the Rebuilding Together initiative until his health no longer allowed him to participate.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Billie Ruth Booth Sikes; his parents and his beloved cat, Mittens.
Sikes is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Bryant Gill (Larry) of Offerman; seven grandchildren, Brandy Gill of Patterson, Jennifer Chancey of Blackshear, Continued from Page 3 Sarah Sharp (Sammy) of Blackshear, Nicki Davis (Drew) of Waycross, Robert Hoff Jr. (Kay) of Nahunta, Samantha Davis (Brandon) of Patterson and Taylor Gill of Waycross; 13 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; a sister, Joyce Tanner (Charles) of Middleburg, Fla.; three brother-in-laws, Jerry Booth (Sandy), Steve Booth and Tiny Booth, all of Waycross; one sister-inlaw, Pat Monds of Perry, Ga.; along with numerous nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be held today (Wednesday, February 25) at 2 p.m., at Kettle Creek Cemetery in Waycross. The family will receive friends Wednesday, beginning at 1 p.m. at the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Booth, Steve Booth, Chip Tanner, Jimmy Dale Mc-Gauley, Steve Bennett and Dustin Booth.
Honorary pallbearers will be the Ware County Class of 1969.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations be made to Hospice House Satilla or Rebuilding Together.
Music Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Sympathy may be expressed by signing the online registry at www.musicfuneralhome.c om.
