William Walker Gillikin

William Walker Gillikin, 79, of Harkers Island passed away Thursday, February 18, 2016 at Carteret Health Care surrounded by his family.

A funeral service will be held 3:00 pm Sunday, February 21, 2016 at Harkers Island United Methodist Church with Pastor Brad Williams officiating. Family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

He is survived by his wife, Janet Willis Gillikin married 57years; three children, Craig B. Gillikin of Atlanta, GA, Willa G. Rothrock of Harkers Island, NC and Jonathan W. Gillikin of Raleigh, NC.

Walker was born October 12, 1936 to Roosevelt and Ruth Gillikin of Otway, NC and was one of seven children. Preceding him in death are his parents and brother Travis Gillikin, sisters Elva Willis and Urith Davis, surviving sisters are Alma Guthrie of Harkers Island, Nellie Sue Brown of Otway, and Twyla Matthews of Morehead City. He was an active member of Harkers Island United Methodist Church. He was a graduate of Smyrna Consolidation School where he enjoyed playing Basketball. In 1955 the Carteret County New times honored him with High School Athlete of the Year Award. He earned College degrees from Edwards Military Institute, in Salemburg, NC, Atlantic Christian in College in Wilson, NC and East Carolina University, Greenville, NC; Many remember him for working as Principal in several of our area Schools. Walker never forgot his Down East roots.  Many remember him as a principal who strived for excellence and fairness for the students of the Down East communities.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Harkers Island United Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 307 Harkers Island, NC 28531.