David "Kerry" Gillikin

David “Kerry” Gillikin, 65, of Harkers Island, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 11, 2025, at Carteret Health Care.

A funeral service to honor Kerry’s life will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 14 at Refuge Fellowship Church in Harkers Island, officiated by Pastor Manley Rose. Interment will follow at Vergie Mae Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m., Tuesday, January 13 at the church. For those unable to attend, the service can be viewed through his obituary page on Munden Funeral Home’s website.

Kerry was born on June 19, 1960, in Sea Level, North Carolina, to James “Jimmy” Gillikin and the late Saundra Ann Gillikin. A member of Refuge Fellowship Church in Harkers Island, Kerry lived a life rooted in faith and family. He was a skilled boat carpenter working alongside his father most of his life. He worked along the waters of Carteret County to Cape May, New Jersey. Kerry’s hands were rarely still; he loved working with wood and welding.

For several years, Kerry ran a family scallop boat in Florida, continuing his lifelong connection to the sea and providing for those he loved. When not working he could be found mowing his grass, working in his yard, and spending time outdoors. He enjoyed duck hunting and spending time with his family. Kerry loved being with his son and supporting him in his sports activities and coaching him on and off the field. He loved telling anyone who would listen about his son and his grandchildren. They were his greatest accomplishment and joy of his life. May his memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved him.

Those remaining to cherish his memory are his loving father, James “Jimmy” Gillikin of Harkers Island, N.C.; son, David Christopher Gillikin (Mariah) of Harkers Island, N.C.; his treasured grandchildren, Kenan and Kenly Gillikin; his devoted brother, Kane Gillikin of Harkers Island, N.C.; his niece, JoAnna Gillikin; his special aunts, Annette Guthrie of Harkers Island, N.C., Carol Childs of Harkers Island, N.C.; and many cousins.

Kerry was preceded in death by his mother, Saundra Ann Gillikin; grandparents, James Thomas Gillikin and Linda Pearl Gillikin, Thomas Lee Willis and Iris Piner Willis.

As an expression of sympathy, flowers are welcome.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.