Obituary of Alfred Armstong Gilkes

Alfred Armstrong Gilkes, age 92 of Ocala, FL, died Wednesday, March 9, 2011 at Sylvia's House in Ocala. He was born Christmas Day 1918, in Oceanside, NY, to Allan T. Gilkes, Sr. and Jane Norris Gilkes. He moved to Florida in 1982 from Dix Hills, NY. Alfred was a United States Army WWII veteran. He was an accomplished writer and the author of 3 published poetry books. He also enjoyed water color painting. His occupation of 35 years was in newspaper circulation management for Long Island's Newsday. Also a devoted member of First Presbyterian Church in Ocala. Alfred is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jean L. Gilkes, of Ocala, FL; three sons, Bruce Gilkes of San Antonio, TX; John Gilkes, of Ocala, FL; Paul Gilkes, of Sidney, OH; one daughter, Susan Reese, of Bedford, NH; one sister, Adele Jones, of Simsbury, CT; nine grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by brothers, Allan T. Gilkes, Jr., William N. Gilkes, and John Gilkes. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, for the V.I.P. Seniors Program. Visitation from 4:30 - 8:30 p.m. Friday, March 11, 2011 in the Magnolia Rm at Hiers-Baxley Funeral Services, 910 E. Silver Springs Blvd, Ocala. A Funeral Service will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 12 at First Presbyterian Church, 511 SE 3rd Street, Ocala. Interment immediately following at Highland Memorial Park.