William Curtis Gillikin

William Curtis Gillikin, 73, of Smyrna, died Sunday, January 27, 2013 at his home.

The family and church will conduct a memorial service 11:00 am Friday at Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Paul Gillikin and Rev. Ken Turner officiating. A memorial graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm at Carteret Memorial Gardens. A reception will be held following the graveside service at the church.

Born June 4,1939 in Smyrna, William Curtis was the youngest child of 4 to Lonnie and Mattie  Gillikin.  He attended Smyrna High School and after graduation joined the US Navy where he began his lifelong interest in aircraft.  William Curtis was trained and qualified as an aircraft jet engine mechanic and served at duty stations in Chincoteague, VA, Puerto Rico, New York, NY, Jacksonville, FL and Norfolk, VA.  He rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer and Flight Crew Chief for Squadron VR-56 in Norfolk, Virginia before retiring in 1979.  He continued his aircraft career as a Quality Assurance Specialist for Naval Aviation Depot in Norfolk, Va before retiring in 1993 and moving back home to Smyrna.
He was married to Evelyn Baker for 50 years until her death in 2008, raising 3 children together and several grandchildren. William Curtis married Serina Davis of Smyrna in 2009 and lovingly embraced his new extended family.

As a loving and faithful husband, a strong family provider and leader, and as a deacon and leader in his church, he was a true living example of character and respect for others.  William Curtis was always quick with a smile, a joke, and a helping hand.  He excelled at making people laugh and feel comfortable, especially children.  In retirement, he enjoyed many, many days on the creeks and waters of Carteret County and loved to entertain his family with a meal.  He passed into his maker's arms on Sunday, January 27, 2013.  His loving presence and guidance will be missed forever.

He is survived by his wife, Serina Davis Gillikin of Smyrna; daughter, Pamela Tremaine and husband Don of Arlington, TX; two sons, David Gillikin and wife Meg of Chesapeake, VA and William C. "Buddy" Gillikin, Jr and wife Kim of Richmond, VA; eight grandchildren, Tina Tremaine, Curtis Tremaine, Kenneth Tremaine, Elizabeth Gillikin, Matt Gillikin, Molly Gillikin, Amy Rush and Amanda Rush; three step-daughters, Beth Booth and husband Jack of Otway, Kristin Allen and husband Jonathan of Wilmington and Pam Morris of Smyrna; step-son, Michael Davis and wife Polly of Clayton; eight step-grandchildren, Randy Booth, Julia Allen, Olivia Allen, Georgia Allen, Candice Morris, Cody Morris, Joanna Schirling and Ally Davis; four great-grandchildren, Arayah Murphy, Cayden Rush, Mason Tremaine, and Carly Morris; and sister-in-law Rose Gillikin of Long Island, NY.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Evelyn Gillikin.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.mundenfuneralhome.net

Memorial donations may be made to Smyrna Missionary Baptist Church, P.O. Box120, Smyrna, NC 28579

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