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Mr. Kenneth Douglas Gillikin of Tavares, Florida died Wednesday June 9, 2021, following a short illness.

Mr. Gillikin was born October 27, 1934, son of Rumley Gerard and Lola Holadia Gillikin of Aurora, NC. He was a graduate of Aurora High School, joined the U.S. Coast Guard in 1954 and after discharge, on the GI Bill, graduated from Bailey Technical College in St. Louis Missouri with a degree in diesel mechanics.

Mr. Gillikin returned with his family to settle in Aurora in 1964 where he worked with Texas Gulf for 32 years, 25 of which were in various supervisory positions. He was remembered by his work colleagues as a great general foreman, gifted mechanically and level-headed.

Ken was very active in the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons Lodge #300 Aurora during his years in Aurora, serving in all leadership roles and enjoying his Mason brethren. He and wife Dee were very active members and leaders in the Holiday Rambler RV Clubs in North Carolina and Florida. These interests took them to all parts of the continent. He is remembered by all as a good, kind, quiet giant of a man who could be relied on to lend strength and solution to all he encountered.

Mr. Gillikin was predeceased by his wife of 32 years, Mrs. Mary Dobmeier Gillikin, and is survived by his wife of 29 years Mrs. Dolores (Dee) Hunter Gillikin, his daughter Dr. Sheryl Gillikin Jordan and her family: husband Stuart, son Benjamin, son Samuel and his wife Alexa and son Henry, and son Zane, and sister Mrs. Winnie Gillikin Douglas and her family.

A memorial service will be conducted at a later time. Services are entrusted to Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society of Tavares.

Memorial donations may be made to UNC Health Foundation scholarship www.unchf.org/mafs or to the charitable organization of your choosing.