Willie Joe Dykes was born on December 8, 1936, in Sylacauga, Alabama, to Rev. William and Dollie (Gaffney) Dykes. One of seven children, Willie was raised in a close-knit family where faith, love, and the importance of caring for one another were woven into everyday life. Those early years laid the foundation for the devoted husband, father, grandfather, minister, and friend he would become.

At an early age, Willie accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized into the Baptist faith and became a member of Rising Baptist Church, where his walk with the Lord first began. During his senior year of high school, Willie answered another call—one of service to his country—and enlisted in the United States Air Force.

Throughout his distinguished 24-year military career, Willie faithfully served his nation, including a tour of duty in Vietnam, while stationed at several bases across the United States and overseas. Determined to continue growing both personally and spiritually, he completed his GED while serving in the Air Force. After retirement he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Theology from Pacific Baptist Bible College in Long Beach, California then became an ordained minister. His love for God's Word and his desire to serve others remained central to every season of his life.

Following his honorable discharge from the United States Air Force, Willie continued his service as a civilian employee. In 1996, he took a position at Altus Air Force Base working as an Aircraft Mechanic. He retired from Civil Service in 2010 after 26 years of dedicated service.

Willie attended Tabernacle Baptist Church in Altus, Oklahoma where he was devoted for 30 years. Willie worked diligently in the church. He served as Head Deacon for years. Then became the outreach pastor in 2010 after his retirement from civil service. He served in the retirement ministry and the hospital visitation ministry. Willie enjoyed working for his church in any capacity. He served with a smile and would always say, “moving forward.” He had a passion for singing. He sang in the church choir and could be heard singing his favorite hymns from his church office each morning. He was committed to service at the church until his decline in health in 2024.

In earlier years at Tabernacle, God had another blessing for Willie. Through the encouragement of a mutual friend, who attended the church, Willie met Sherry West Booker. What began as a simple introduction quickly became a beautiful love story, and six months later they were married. For the next 29 years, they built a Christ-centered home, faithfully serving their church, encouraging those around them, and sharing God's love through both word and example.

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, Willie peacefully entered the presence of his Lord and Savior. Though his family grieves his absence, they rejoice, knowing his faith has become sight and that he has been welcomed into his eternal home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. William and Dollie Dykes; his son, Connie W. West; his sisters, Bertha Dykes-Mitchell and Irene Dykes-Hall; his brothers, Moses Dykes and James Dykes; his sisters-in-law, Betty Dykes and Willie Pearl Dykes; and his brothers-in-law, Alphonso Mitchell and Leon Munn.

Willie's greatest earthly blessing was his family. Left to cherish his memory and carry forward his legacy of faith are his beloved wife of 29 years, Sherry Dykes; his children, Barbara K. Lofton and husband, Ronnie (Evans, GA), Carl West OKC), William Glen Townsend (Altus), and Patrick Townsend (OKC); his sisters, Annie L. Munn (Victorville, CA) and Pergia Dykes-Mitchell (Jacksonville, NC); 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and treasured friends.

Willie believed that the greatest inheritance a person could leave was not measured in possessions, but in faith. He loved his family deeply, prayed faithfully for those he loved, and sought to live each day as an example of Christ's grace, humility, and compassion. Whether serving his country, preaching God's Word, or spending time with those he loved, Willie lived with a servant's heart and a steadfast trust in the Lord. While his presence will be deeply missed, his family finds peace in the promise of John 14:2-3: "In my Father's house are many mansions... I go to prepare a place for you... I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also." They rejoice knowing that Willie has heard the words, "Well done, thy good and faithful servant," and now rests in the eternal presence of the Savior he faithfully served throughout his life.

The family will formally greet friends from 5:30 – 7:30 PM on Monday, June 29th, at Kincannon Funeral Home. Services are scheduled for 2:00 PM on Tuesday, June 30th, at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Repast will follow the service at Tabernacle Baptist Church. Burial with military honors will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, July 1st at Fort Sill National Cemetery.

Online memorial tributes and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at www.kincannonfuneralhome.com.