Leland G. Sykes
COURTLAND—Leland Garfield Sykes of Blackhead Signpost Road, died Nov. 3, 2008, while a patient in Southampton Memorial Hospital.
On Aug. 15, 1931, he was born in Southampton County to Johnnie Wise and Mattie Mayfield Sykes. Leland was the ninth of ten children.
At an early age he joined Shiloh Baptist Church.
Mr. Sykes proudly served his country and was honorably discharged from the United States Marine Corps.
He later left Virginia and moved to Brooklyn, N.Y. There he was employed for more than 30 years as a longshoreman for New York Shipping.
He was joined in marriage on March 30, 1958 to his partner and friend, Marie Hendricks of Franklin.
Survivors include his devoted wife and their five children, Linda Sykes of New Jersey, Leland Sykes Jr. and wife LaShawn of Texas, Sharon Sykes, Jeffrey Sykes of Virginia, and Angela Sykes Celestin and husband Steven of Maryland; five sisters, Ruth Camp, Mildred McClenny, Evelyn Walker, Eunice Ridgell and Melba Carmichael; six grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Margaret Sykes; nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Emmitt L. Sykes and Johnnie H. Sykes; two sisters, Emma Sykes Davis and Ellen Sykes Hooks.
A life’s celebration will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, Boykins, with Pastor Curtis Mitchell delivering the eulogy.
The committal and benediction will take place in the church cemetery.
On the day of service, his remains will be placed in church for viewing by 11:30 a.m.
Wm. M. Johnson & Sons Funeral Home, Franklin, is in charge of arrangements.
Please visit www.wmjohnsonandsons.com to share a condolence.