Richard Lee Sikes, 90, passed away on March 4, 2025, at Dogwood Forest assisted living in Grayson. Born on April 16, 1934, in Auburn, Ga., Richard dedicated his life to his family, faith, and an extraordinary career in banking that spanned nearly seven decades.
Sikes
Richard graduated from Dacula High School in 1951, where he excelled academically and was an athlete on the varsity basketball, baseball, and track teams. His passion for learning continued as he pursued further education at the University of Georgia earning certifications in banking and finance.
Richard’s banking career was deeply rooted in Gwinnett County. He began at First National Bank of Lawrenceville, rising to executive vice president. Over the years, he contributed his expertise to The Peachtree Bank, Colonial Bank, Wachovia Bank and Commercial Bank of Gwinnett, where he was organizer and later served as chairman and CEO. His final role was president of The Piedmont Bank in Lawrenceville. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in mergers and start-ups across 13 banks.
His dedication to the financial growth of Gwinnett County extended beyond banking-he worked to secure approval and financing for Gwinnett Medical Center, serving on its Board of Directors for 25 years. Richard was an active member of the business community and a dedicated philanthropist. He was a longtime member of the Lawrenceville Kiwanis Club. He was also treasurer for the Central Gwinnett Booster Club. He took pride in his National Guard service. Faith played a central role in Richard’s life. He worshiped at Lawrenceville First Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and stewardship efforts until recently.
Richard found great joy in traveling and spending time at his North Georgia mountain home. A devoted Georgia Tech sports fan, he enjoyed attending football, basketball and baseball games. His love for antique cars was another cherished passion.
Above all else, he treasured time spent with his family. He is survived by his wife Jean Archer Sikes; daughters Gloria Sikes Hancock of Alpharetta; Wanda Sikes Cain and her husband Kenneth of Grayson; Marsha Sikes Moon and her husband Mark of Clearwater Beach, Fla.; grandchildren Kendall Len Cain and his wife Caitlin of Social Circle; Michael Frederick Moon of Chicago, Ill.; Matthew Richard Moon of Hermosa Beach, Calif.; sisters Loretta Sikes Waters Virginia Sikes Pruett; sisters-in-law, Hazel Archer, Jackie Archer, and Rose Archer; as well as several nieces and nephew. Richard was preceded in death by his grandparents Earl R. Sikes and Anna Wood Sikes of Auburn, Georgia; Charlie N. Kinsey and Ella Black of Winder; parents Boyd B. Sikes and Jessie Kinsey Sikes of Auburn; and his granddaughter Kinsey Leigh Cain of Grayson.
The service honoring the life of Richard L Sikes was held March 9 at Tom M. Wages Funeral Service Lawrenceville Chapel. Interment was at Gwinnett Memorial Park. Those desiring may make donations to Lawrenceville First Baptist church in memory of Richard L Sikes. Tom M. Wages Funeral Service, Lawrenceville Chapel was entrusted with the arrangements.
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