THE NEWS LEADER
Fernandina Beach, Florida
Wednesday, April 18, 2007 

MICHAEL RAYMOND PIKULA 

Michael (Mike) R. Pikula Sr. passed away on April 13, 2007, after a brief illness. 

Mike was 90 years young and lived a full and productive life. He was born in Detroit, Mich., grew up in Bunnell and moved to Fernandina in 1937 while serving as a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). Soon thereafter he began a long and distinguished career at the new Container Corporation of America (now Smurfit Stone Container) paper mill. He retired from Container as the Assistant Papermill Superintendent after 43 years. He also served as a Chief Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater during World War II, as an able seaman, water survival instructor and aerial photographer. 

He was active in community affairs and volunteer work in Fernandina throughout his life and served on numerous boards and committees including the Amelia Island Mosquito Control District and the Northeast Florida Regional Planning Council, as well as being a longtime member of Memorial United Methodist Church. He was also a key construction volunteer for many years with the Nassau Habitat for Humanity. 

He loved to fish, garden and spend time with his extended family on the beaches of Amelia Island. He was especially gifted in growing and then giving away Sago Palms, many of which now grace the yards of Fernandina Beach residents. Many other residents dined on the trout, sheepshead and grouper he caught and distributed to those in need, and many friends enjoyed the fresh tomatoes from his garden. 

Mike is survived by: his loving wife of 64 years, Gloria Stewart Pikula; brother, Dr. John Pikula of Boston Mass.; sister Janina Pikula of Fernandina Beach; sons Michael Pikula, Jr. (Col, USAF-Ret) (Mary), Stewart Pikula (Pat), Byron Pikula (Val); and daughter Margaret Pikula Scott (Mitchell), all of Fernandina Beach; seven grandchildren (Brad, James, Kyle, Keith, Garrett, Michael and Jenna Kay) and one great-grandson (Jackson). 

Mike had a big heart and a quick and hearty laugh, and he will be greatly missed by his many friends and extended family. 

The family received friends from 4-6 p.m. on Sunday at Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Monday at 2 p.m. in the Burgess Chapel of Oxley-Heard Funeral Home. He was laid to rest in Bosque-Bello Cemetery following the service. 

In lieu of flowers friends are urged to make a contribution in Mike's name to the Nassau Habitat for Humanity. 

Oxley-Heard Funeral Directors.