Samuel Wright Sykes

He was born on October 16, 1937 in Nash County, North Carolina to Charles B. and Mary A. Sykes. He had ten brothers and sisters. He married his wife, Janice F. Sykes, before settling in Hampton, Virginia for the next 63 years. They were members of Whitakers United Methodist Church.

Sam loved to work with his hands, and he spent 46 years as an auto body technician. Following his retirement from One Stop Auto, he turned his love for hands-on work into new passions: gardening and grandchildren. He was most proud of his azaleas and of his loving family.

Sam was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Samuel O. Sykes; two brothers, Charles B. Sykes and Revil L. Sykes; and two sisters, Virginia G. Aycock and Ruby M. Summerlin.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Janice; two sons, Linwood (Allyson) and Donald; daughter, Deborah (Alex); daughter-in-law, Linda; brothers, Stewart (Ann), William, and Tony; sisters, Ruth, Brenda (Roy), and Alice (Steve); nine grandchildren, Wendi (Michael), Dwayne (Christy), Owen Jr., Ashley (Rob), Amanda, Travis (Lindsey), Brian (Kayla), Chris (Veronica), and Jessica (Andrew); four great-grandchildren, Dillon, Kaitlin, Casey, and Sophia; and a host of loving nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 25, 2023 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666. A celebration of life service will be announced to follow in North Carolina.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parklawn-woodfh.com for the Sykes family.