Tom Stikeleather

Thomas Howard Stikeleather, 86, of Statesville, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at his home. Tom was born December 30, 1927 in Iredell County and was the son of the late Howard Yates Stikeleather and Marguerite Fox Stikeleather. He was a graduate of Cool Spring High School and on September 25, 1949 was married to Audrey Bell Stikeleather, who preceded him in death on April 6, 2012. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Korea as a Staff Sergeant. Tom was a self-employed Poultry Farmer for 36 years, delivered eggs in the Statesville area and was known affectionately as the "Egg Man." He and his wife were charter members of Oakdale Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, was a member of the choir and enjoyed doing many things around the church, including setting the thermostat for all church services. Tom enjoyed socializing with friends, drinking coffee, going to church, and watching the Atlanta Braves baseball games. He was a former member of the Cool Spring Fire Department. Mr. Stikeleather is survived by three sons, Stanley Stikeleather (Denise), Tommy "T.J." Stikeleather (Tracee), and Tony B. Stikeleather, all of Statesville; one brother, Wayne Stikeleather (Naomi) of Statesville; five grandchildren, Carmen S. Graham (Craig), Candace S. Lindstrom (Ken), Eric S. Stikeleather (Bobbie), Luke T. Stikeleather, and Matthew J. Stikeleather. Six great grandchildren along with two nieces, Tracy Moore (Jeff) and Kelle Love (Scott), also survive. A celebration of Tom's life will be conducted 3:00 PM Sunday, November 16, 2014 at Oakdale Baptist Church with Rev. Mack Mathis officiating. The family will visit with friends following the service in the church sanctuary. Burial with full military honors provided by the Iredell County Veterans Burial Detail will be 11:00 AM Monday morning at Iredell Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Oakdale Baptist Church, 585 Mocksville Hwy, Statesville, NC 28625; or to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Tom Stikeleather.