Sterling Ward Gillikin Jr.

Sterling Ward Gillikin Jr., 88, of Cape Carteret, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Carteret Health Care.

A funeral service to honor Sterling’s life will be held at 4 p.m., Sunday, February 25th at Cape Carteret Baptist Church, officiated by Rev. Kevin Clubb. The family will receive friends from one hour prior to the service.  For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website. The service will remain on the Funeral Home website for 90 days.

A graveside service will take place at 1 p.m., Tuesday, February 27th, at Pinelawn Memorial Park in Kinston, officiated by Rev. Marty Greer, followed by military honors and Masonic Rites. Service details will be announced once finalized.

Sterling was born on January 25, 1936, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, to the late Sterling and Yulee Gillikin. Known for his strong convictions, determined work ethic, big smile, and amazing personality, Sterling was loved by all. 

His commitment to his country was seen through his active duty in the United States Army and later in the National Guard from 1973 until 1996, where he served for 23 years before retiring. Sterling was a fixture around Kinston, well known through his professional career in the US Postal Service where he served as a Supervisor. He retired after 38 years of dedicated service. 

Sterling was a proud member of St. John's Lodge serving as Master, Secretary of Distinction, and District Deputy Grand Master of the 11th Masonic District (before they became part of the 10th District.) Numerous Lodges have him listed as an Honorary Member, where he had an impact on each one.

Sterling and Sue were regulars and an important part of Kinston #53 OES. In addition to his service as an officer, you could count on him working behind the scenes. You could also count on his quick wit and tongue to put a smile on everyone's face. He always had something going.

Sterling laid down the working tools of life last night around midnight and there is no doubt he has heard those words "Good and Faithful Servant." We can only imagine him sitting around a table inside the Pearly Gates catching up with James Davis and James P. Wooten, probably with a cup of coffee and a piece of cake!

There is no doubt that the only thing more important to Sterling than Masonry was his faith and love for his family.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 26 years, Susan Gillikin; daughter, Alison Moritz (Travis) of Emerald Isle, NC, Dee Zeiler of Nottingham, MD, and Annette Greer (Marty) of Greenville, NC; sons, James Grady II (Rhonda) of Snow Hill, NC and Hiram A. Grady (LaRue) of Kinston, NC; brother, George Gillikin of Fountain, NC; brother-in-law, Henry Eubank of Williston, NC; sisters-in-law, JoAnn Gillikin of Greenville, NC and Catherine Jarman of Kinston, NC; 13 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and goddaughter, Ann Kilpatrick Swann of Cape Carteret, NC.

In addition to his parents, Sterling was preceded in death by his first wife of 39 years, Muriel Gray Gillikin; sister, Jean Eubank; brother, William Gillikin; brother-in-law, Tom Jarman; and nephew, Eric Jarman.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Cape Carteret Baptist Church, 101 Anita Forte Dr., Cape Carteret, NC 28584.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.