Carson Clay Dykes Jr., age 75, passed peacefully from this life into eternity with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Friday, June 11, 2021 at his home in Summertown, TN. He was surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Carson is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Dykes; his dear sons, Evan Dykes (Michelle) of Dayton, NV and Kevin Folds (Juliette) of Woodbury, TN; and his precious daughter, Traci Applegett (Todd) of Rockvale, TN; his treasured grandchildren, who called him Papa, Patrick Dykes, Brianna Berg and Tyler Berg, Devlin Folds and Lindan Folds, Ashley Parkerson (Jose Galvan), Andy Paison (Bobby), Brian Applegett (Taylor), Kellie Applegett, Jane Applegett, Victoria Satterfield, Hudson Applegett, Mollie Applegett, and Henry Applegett; his sister, Joanie Christl (John) of Iowa, his brother-in-law Randal Morgan (Glynda) and sister-in-law Sarah Hoben (Mike); he has 10 great grandchildren, 7 nieces, and 11 nephews that he loved dearly and many cousins that were near and dear to his heart.

Carson was born on February 21, 1946 in Porterville, CA to Carson Clay Dykes Sr. and Faye Dykes. He graduated from Porterville High School class of 1964. He joined the United States Marine Corps in 1982, served in the Vietnam War and the Gulf War, and achieved a Bachelor of Science degree before retiring in 1992 as a decorated officer and Captain. While serving he was awarded the Rifle Expert Marksmanship Badge 2nd Award, Pistol Expert Marksmanship Badge 6th Award, National Defense Service Medal 2nd Award, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal 4th Award, Good Conduct Medal 3rd Award, Navy Unit Commendation 2nd Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation 3rd Award, Combat Action Ribbon, Galantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation Civil Action Medal First Class Color with Palm, Letter of Performance, Meritorious Mast 3rd Award, Recruiter of the Month, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Letter of Appreciation 2nd Award, Navy Commendation Medal 2nd Award & Certificate of Appreciation.

Carson was a devoted man of God. His love for the Lord and his faith in God deepened even more right up to his last breath. He was a member of the Baugus Church of God, pastored by Brother Kyle Conner. He was a loving husband, caring father, doting grandfather, and generous friend. He welcomed all who visited with open arms. Carson treasured the special visits from John, Robyn, Alyson, Derek, and Sarah; and Jori and Kaitlyn. He loved to drink coffee down at The Outpost at NACO with all his friends. He was a gifted storyteller and lived to tell of his adventures and share his life experiences. He loved to inspire young people to work hard to achieve their dreams and give encouragement and guidance for success to all the young people in his life. He loved to travel, play golf, and cook amazing food. He held the revered title of Chef Papa, when we traveled with family, for making the world’s best tacos. He treasured our family get togethers, especially our yearly trips with 36 of us to Florida. He loved to teach his grandkids and kids in the neighborhood how to pitch a softball, how to wheel and deal when buying a car, and cultivated a love for classic muscle cars. He was an avid reader and loved to share good books he found with others. He loved going to car shows and visiting the Barrett Jackson Museum. Carson loved the Lord his God with all his heart, mind, soul, and strength; and he certainly loved his neighbor as himself. He poured out that love to his family and friends and desired to see all of us grow in our faith in Jesus Christ.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday, June 18 from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the McDonald Funeral Home.  Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 19 beginning at 1:00 PM at the McDonald Funeral Home with Kyle Conner officiating. Burial Services will be held in his hometown of Porterville, California.

Psalm 91
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall over thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust:
his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day; nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee. Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.
Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the Most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.
Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.
Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him:
I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him.
With long life will I satisfy him, and show him my salvation.