Nekee Dykes' Obituary
In Loving Memory of Nekee Deshawn Dykes
Nekee Deshawn Dykes, known to our closest family and friends simply as “Nick” or “Shawn,” fell asleep in death on October 22, 2025, in Huntersville, North Carolina, due to cardiac arrest. He passed just a few short weeks after we celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary.
Born on February 2, 1976, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Nick was a devoted husband, father, son, and loyal friend. While he had a quiet disposition in public, those who knew him well were often captivated by his quick wit, sharp humor, natural curiosity, and deep creativity. He possessed a truly brilliant mind and a genuine, generous heart. Nick lived by a simple, powerful motto: loyalty to friends and unwavering commitment to family.
A Life of Service and Quality
Nick began his career after leaving South Carolina State University for military service. He served our country for a total of seven years, beginning with the United States Navy in 1995, where he completed two international deployments in Iraq and the Mediterranean. He later continued his commitment by drilling with the North Carolina Air National Guard and serving in the United States Army.
Following his military service, Nick found his professional niche in operations and manufacturing, focusing on quality control. In his most recent roles at Campbell’s and ADM Milling, he would often come home with flour dusting his clothes, describing his job as "keeping the quality of our crackers safe," always adding with a playful smirk, "watch out for the ones with peanut butter!"
Our Downtime and Delights
During his downtime, Nick was truly in his element. He could often be found glued to the History Channel—no one dared challenge him in a game of trivia, as he was literally a walking rolodex of random facts and figures. His other favorite escape was his old-school cartoon, “Scooby-Doo Mysteries.”
Nick loved movies (often borrowing from his Aunt Joyce’s extensive collection), and he cherished watching and attending football games with our son, Justin. He was an exceptional amateur chef and grill master, perfecting the most delicious deviled eggs and brownies—favorites of our daughter, Jillian. His favorite place to be was Jamaica, which he affectionately called his “yard, his home away from home,” and which served as the beautiful backdrop for our annual couples getaways.
Loved and Remembered
Nick is survived by me, his devoted wife, Gina Roy-Dykes; our son, Justin Dykes, and our daughter, Jillian Dykes. He is also survived by his mother, Rosalyn Strange; his father of heart, Leon Dykes; Aunts Julie Strange, Sharan Strange, Cyndi (Lawyer III) Burks, and Joyce Strange; his many cherished cousins (LaShawn (Gabart) Piquant, Stephanie Scott, Latasha DaCosta, Nyisha Johnson, Talina Strange, LaQuayia Lewis, Andreus Strange, Charles Strange and Channing Strange); and his closest childhood friends, Timothy Walker, Kenyatta Hickman, and Devin McMillan whom he considered his brothers.
Nick will be remembered for his steadfast love, his quiet strength, and his deep sense of honor. He will continue to live through the memories we shared until the beautiful hope of the resurrection (Revelation 21:4, John 5:28).
Until then, rest well, my beloved.
A Celebration of Life will be held at James Funeral Home, Huntersville, NC on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 12:00 - 2:00 PM.
Online memories and condolences may be shared at https://www.JamesFuneralHomeLKN.com
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the Dykes family.
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