Funeral plans for fallen Columbia County Deputy Brandon R. Sikes have been announced as the sheriff’s office released an update on injured Deputy Gavin White.
Deputy White remains hospitalized at Wellstar MCG Health but is improving, authorities said. Deputy Sikes was killed and Deputy White was shot in the face by James Blake Montgomery in an ambush on Saturday afternoon as officers tried to serve the suspect with a temporary protective order in a traffic stop along Interstate 20.
“(Deputy White) is walking and talking, all while maintaining a very positive attitude,” a Facebook post announced. “Thank you to everyone for the prayers and well wishes. Our entire agency appreciates the outpouring of support!”
MORE: Funeral route for Deputy Sikes announced
Meanwhile, big plans to honor Deputy Sikes were announced along with an obituary. The funeral service for the 31-year-old Evans father and officer will be held at noon Monday (May 5) at the Columbia County Performing Arts Center. A 21-gun salute and flyover are among the preparations being made for the service.
Deputy Sikes is survived by wife Amber Sikes and daughter Lyndsey Sikes. An obituary shared on the Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Director page remembers the officer’s work within the Special Operations Division, which was marked by “meticulous care, steadfast commitment, and a quiet strength that resonated with all who served alongside him.”
He is an Army veteran who served as a combat medic, with his experiences shaping his deep compassion, sense of duty, and readiness to stand in harm’s way for others, the obituary said. In his spare time, Deputy Sikes enjoyed outdoors and fishing.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
A blood drive began Tuesday and continues Wednesday at all Shepeard Community Blood Center sites in honor of both deputies. Six units of blood were needed to help Deputy White in his initial treatment at Doctors Hospital, and the community is asked to donate in his honor. For each donation, Deputy White’s family will receive $20 to help with his treatment and continued recovery.
The public can donate at any blood center from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Wednesday.
