Preacher Kelly Dykes, age 88, of the Sullivan Gardens Community of Kingsport, TN went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday, December 22, 2023, following a lengthy illness. He was born and has resided in Kingsport his entire life. He was a true God called preacher that dedicated his life to serving the Lord. He was a great inspiration to all that knew him and touched many lives during his ministry. He will be greatly missed by all who know him.

He was founding Pastor of Sunrise Baptist Church in 1971. He is the only Pastor the church has had in its 53-year history. He was instrumental in the establishment of Lone Star Baptist Church. He had also previously pastored Walkers Fork and Solomon's Temple Baptist Church's.

He had also been employed as an automotive technician at J.B.R. Buick and Courtesy Chevrolet for many years.

He was born March 27, 1935, a son of the late Ted and Belle Mowell Dykes and was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 58 years, Jo (Joyce) Dykes and 4 sisters and 2 brothers.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children: Kay Cain (Ray), Tim Dykes (Glenda) and Becky Gilliam. Grand Daughters: Wendy Doran (Freddie), Ashley Benton (Eric) and Abby Nachman (Zach). Great Grandchildren: Tanner and Bailee Doran, Lincoln and Landon Benton. "Special" Nephew: Virgil Hall (Katie), whom he loved like a brother and a "Special" life-long friend Carolyn Carter. Several nieces, nephews and cousins along with other family members and many friends also survive.

The funeral will be held 1 PM Thursday afternoon (December28, 2023) at the Sunrise Baptist Church, with Rev. Danny Dolen officiating. Music will be provided by Carolyn Carter and Julie Morelock. A burial will follow in the Last Supper Garden of the Oak Hill Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the church, located at 2991 Long Hollow Road, Kingsport, TN 37660 on Wednesday evening (December 27, 2023) from 5 until 8 PM.

The pallbearers will be: Ray Cain, Tanner Doran, Luke Lawson, Ronnie Crawford, Rick Crawford, Chesel Dykes and Teddy Morelock.

Special thanks to his caregivers: Karen Compton, Kathy Compton, Misty McFarland and Tiera Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Preacher's memory to the Sunrise Baptist Church-Building Fund, C/O Tim Dykes, 3508 Glen Alpine Road, Kingsport, TN 37660.

Preacher and his family are in the care of Jones Family Services.