Charles Edward Sykes

Charles Edward Sykes was born on January 30, 1950, in Richmond, Texas. He was the oldest of four children for Lillie Bradford Sykes and adopted by Willie Sykes, Sr. His siblings were Willie Jr.,Carolyn and Lula. He also had a special nephew/adopted brother, Eric Hampton, who was raised by his mother and step-father, Murphy Hampton. Charles developed a passion for sports and music at an early age. His mother paid for piano lessons for him that he never attended. When she found out he was not going to his lessons, she bought him a trumpet instead. He loved the trumpet and formed his first band in elementary school. While attending A. W. Jackson High School, Charles excelled in sports and band. He knew he would eventually have to chose one over the other. He chose music! When the public schools integrated in Richmond and Rosenberg, Charles was one of a few students from A. W. Jackson High School to make the "A" band at Lamarque High School. His musical talents earned him a scholarship to Wharton Junior college and later to Texas Southern University where he was a charter member of the "Ocean of Soul" marching band. He also played (gigged) in many clubs around Houston with the Soul Senders band. He was an avid Bobby "Blue" Bland fan! Charles married his high school sweetheart, Emma Green, and they had one daughter, Shawna. They eventually divorced and he married his current wife Mae on August 24, 1984. Charles and Mae raised one daughter, Maisha Bianca, two step-sons, Derrick and Omar, and in the past 11 months a very special granddaughter, Zoe Giselle. Charles' retired from Southwestern Bell Telephone Company Co. (A T & T) as a Customer Service Technician in 2004, after 25 years of service. His retirement can best be described as "GONE FISHING"! Charles is preceded in death by..his mother Lillie Sykes Hampton, Adopted father Willie Sykes, Sr.,Step-father, Murphy Hampton, brother Willie Sykes, Jr., sister Carolyn Lopez and nephew Albert Lopez.Left to cherish his memories are wife, Mae Sykes, daughters, Shawna Sykes & Maisha Sykes; sons Bryan Sykes & Terrell Edward Bilbo; step-sons, Derrick Renfro, Sr. & Omar Sheppard; granddaughters Madison Sykes, Bailey Nicole Bilbo and Zoe Sykes; grandsons, Trey William Bilbo, Derrick Renfro, Jr., Corey White Sr. & Debione Renfro; great grandson Corey White, Jr.; brother Eric Hampton; sister, Lula Almazan; special friends Leon Matthews and Johnny Clay, his "fishing buddies", nieces, nephews, family, friends and great neighbors.