Wiley Otto Dykes

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." – 2 Timothy 4:7

Wiley “Otto” Dykes, 98, of Flemington, Georgia, was called home to be with the Lord on August 11, 2025. He passed peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, while under the care of GHC Hospice.

Born on December 5, 1926, in Vidalia, Georgia, Otto was the son of William Thomas and Mary Polk Dykes. His life was marked by faith, love, and a deep devotion to his family.

A proud veteran of World War II, Otto served his country bravely and honorably. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Dorothy Eudine “Dean” Cartrette, on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1948. They shared 72 wonderful years before Dean’s passing in 2020.

Together, Otto and Dean raised three children and watched their family grow to include six grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. They were faithful members of First Baptist Church of Hinesville for many years, where Otto served as a deacon.

A hardworking and entrepreneurial man, Otto owned several local businesses in Hinesville over the years, including Pic-n-Pay, Dykes IGA Grocery, Dykes Tractor and Trailer Sales, as well as several family-run laundromats and car washes.

An avid gardener, Otto planted abundant gardens each year, brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables. He also loved traveling with Dean, taking trips to New England to see the autumn leaves, fishing for halibut in Alaska, and enjoying family visits to Lake Santa Fe and Crescent Beach in Florida.

Otto will be remembered for his kind, caring, and generous nature and for the way he touched the lives of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Wanda Gail Dykes; his son, Donald Dykes; his granddaughter, Mysti Dykes Elder; and eight siblings.

He is survived by his son, Byron Lance Dykes; daughter-in-law, Rita Abbott Dykes; granddaughters Leah Dykes Gumataotao (Vince), Melissa Dykes Castellanos (Eric), and Ashley Dykes Dickerson (Eric); grandsons Zachary Donald Dykes and Heith Otto Dykes (Brittany); fifteen great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

Visitation will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 14, 2025, at First Baptist Church Hinesville, 220 E. Memorial Drive, Hinesville, GA. Funeral services will follow at 4:00 p.m., with Pastor Roy Broughman officiating. Interment will follow in the Hinesville Cemetery. 

Active pallbearers will be Vince Gumataotao, Eric Dickerson, Eric Castellanos, Matthew Richardson, Landon Elder, Jackson McCullough, Wyatt Dykes, and Caleb Castellanos. Honorary pallbearers include the nurses and staff of GHC Hospice, Ms. Leila Kelly, Ms. Carrie Dee, and the deacons of First Baptist Church Hinesville.

Thomas L. Carter Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.

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