James Ross (Bud) Sykes Sr.

Dwight Hall

Gilmer Swinson

Company History

Just as an exceptional building must first have a solid foundation, so too must a successful business be built on a foundation of integrity, dedication, and commitment to quality.  Such a business is Dixie General Contractors, Inc.  The story of its growth is a chronicle of success accomplished by efficient up building and the best qualities of business procedures.

The founder of Dixie General, James Ross Sykes, Sr., was born in Duplin County right outside of Wallace, NC to Ethni Sheffield Sykes and Dwight R. Sykes.  Dwight was a carpenter by trade, and he passed his love of the construction business to his son.  After completing high school and serving a term in the NC National Guard, James Ross Sykes attended North Carolina State University.  In 1957, he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering with a construction option.

Upon graduation from college, Jim worked for J.A. Jones Construction Company as a civil engineer and traveled throughout the southeastern US overseeing numerous large projects.  After working his way up in the firm and adding to his already extensive knowledge of the construction business, he, along with Granville Sheffield, opened Dixie General Contractors, Inc. in 1962.  Upon Mr. Sheffield’s death in 1972, Jim bought the remaining shares of the business and became sole owner.

In 1975, Jim brought his 16-year old son, Ross, Jr., into the business where he worked summers and holidays until he entered his father’s alma mater.  After graduating from North Carolina State University in 1982 with a degree in Business Management, Ross began working for Dixie General on a full-time basis and soon became a superintendent and project manager on construction projects.

In 1990, Jim asked his nephew Dwight P. Hall to join Dixie General Contractors full time  and train under him for the purpose of estimating and project management. Dwight had just graduated East Carolina University with a B.S. degree in Industrial Technology concentration in Construction Management. While attending college Dwight had spent summers and holidays on Dixie jobsites gaining valuable field knowledge and practical experience.

Following his father and mentor’s death in 1992, J. Ross Sykes, Jr. assumed the presidency of Dixie General Contractors, Inc.  In this role he led the company through a period of growth whereby the volume of projects and resources increased dramatically.  With the company growing Ross felt the need for enhanced in house financial management so he offered the opportunity to his sister Shella Sykes Farrior to join Dixie’s team as Chief Financial Officer. Shella, a 1986 graduate of Meredith College, holds a B.S. in Business Management, Accounting Concentration.  She came to the company in November 1995 with years of experience in finance and business management for other successful companies.

In 1998 Ross enhanced the Dixie management team as former Dixie Superintendent and close friend Gilmer Swinson rejoined the company as Director of Field Operations. Gilmer returned with a very extensive construction knowledge gained from his 20 years as Resident Office in Charge of Construction at Camp Lejune, NC combined with his 10 year tenure at Dixie General beforehand. 

Upon the  May 12, 2006  untimely tragic death of J. Ross Sykes Jr., Shella Sykes Farrior took over the reins of  Dixie General Contractors as President and soon thereafter became majority owner. Dixie General has continued to grow and prosper due to the guidance of Shella and the Dixie management team. Soon  after, Shella’s husband, Wade M. Farrior,  joined Dixie as Vice President to assist  with customer relations, marketing and management of fleet and heavy equipment. Wade’s prior experience in those fields has proven to be an asset from the beginning.
Today the corporate officers of Dixie General Contactors include Shella Sykes Farrior - President, Wade M. Farrior - Vice President, Dwight P. Hall - Secretary, and Gilmer Swinson - Treasure.

Dixie General Contractors, Inc. is the legacy of hard work honestly performed and directed, constantly towards providing quality service.  At the heart of Dixie General is its sterling reputation for quality, a reputation which has been solidly built from year to year through the dedication and hard work of everyone involved throughout the years.

James Ross Sykes Jr.

Shella Sykes Farrior

Wade M. Farrior