Gary Sykes

Gary Martin Sykes of 1102 Broad Street, Altavista, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 18, 2011 following complications from a bone marrow transplant. He was born in Washington, D.C. on October 18, 1943, a son to the late Alvis Wade Sykes and Frances Searcy Sykes Smith. During his early childhood he returned to Durham, NC, where he was raised by his grandparents, the late Lily Ava and Hampton Wade Sykes. Gary leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Dianne Tucker Sykes of the residence, a brother, Alvis Sykes and his wife, Beverly of Greensboro, NC. Also surviving are his daughters, Cherie Empson and her husband William of Tipp City, OH, Stephanie Grim and her husband Sid of Roanoke; a step-daughter, Shannon Hines and her husband Kevin of Altavista; seven grandchildren, Jeremiah Cochenuer of Lynchburg, Ali, Callum and Tristan Empson of Tipp City, OH, Nicholas, Olivia and Jesse Grim of Roanoke; four step-grandchildren, Chandler Hart, Allen and Grayson Moon all of Altavista, and Courtney Hines of Gretna; one great-granddaughter, Chole Cochenuer of Lynchburg and a special sister-in-law, Diane Tucker of Lynch Station. He had a special friend, a rat terrier named Lemony Snicket. Snicket was devoted to Gary and was his constant companion especially during his illness. Gary was preceded in death by an uncle, Vance Sykes, brother-in-law, Roger Tucker and a nephew, Roger Cole Tucker. Gary was definitely a people person and never met a stranger. He began his working career at various locations with Kinney Shoes Corporation and later became a supervisor for over 20 Pizza Huts in Virginia and West Virginia, finally settling as a manger of the Altavista and Radford Pizza Huts. He worked as the manager of CiCi?s Pizza in Lynchburg. After retiring for only three days, Gary began working again at the Alta Shoe Shop, Cracker Barrel, Central Virginia Community College (Altavista Center) and Top Notch Medical Transport. Gary enjoyed 50?s music, cruise-ins with his 1950 Mercury, playing Rook with the Lynch Station Seniors, watching all sports and action movies and vacationing at Myrtle Beach. He was a member of the Lynch Station Ruritan Club, serving as a past president and vice-president each for one year. He also attended Lynch Station Baptist Church A celebration of Gary?s life will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 21, 2011 at Finch & Finch Funeral Chapel, Altavista by the Reverends Phil Stevens and Jim Critchley. Interment will follow in the Tucker Family Cemetery. The family will receive their friends from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday at Finch & Finch Fuenral and Cremation Service, Altavista and other times at the residence. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the nurses and staff on the 10th Floor Bone Marrow Transplant Unit at MCV in Richmond, 4th Floor Oncology Department at Lynchburg General Hospital and the Lynchburg Health and Rehab for all the support and care they showed Gary during his stay at their facilities. Deep gratitude goes to Dr. Kathleen Paul of Lynchburg Hematology and Oncology Clinic for her superior constant care and unwavering support during Gary?s illness. The family suggests that those wishing to make memorials please consider the Myloefibrosis Research Foundation, MPD Foundation, 180 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 1870, Chicago, IL 60601.

Gary Sykes

October 18, 1943 - April 18, 2011