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CONWAY – Walter Mack Sykes, Sr., age 89, of Zion Church Road, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 7, 2020 at his home surrounded by his family.

Mr. Sykes was born on February 16, 1931 to John Benjamin Sykes, Jr. and Mildred Oakes Sykes in Burlington, NC. He attended Chowan College after high school and played football. Walter was a devoted member of Zion United Methodist Church and he was also a member of Pendleton Masonic Lodge 418 earning the level of 32-degree Scottish Rite. Walter cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. He retired from Hercules in April of 1989 after serving 33 years with the company. During retirement, Pops, as he was so affectionately called, worked at Sykes Funeral Service as a key member of the staff as long as his health allowed. He also enjoyed traveling. Walter always had a great story to tell and would keep the listeners attentive to what story was coming next. He was loved by many and will be deeply missed by his family and friends.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Rebecca Jean Sykes.

Walter is survived by his son, Mack Sykes and wife Tracy of Conway; two sisters, Glenda Phillips of Mebane, and Kay Langford of Graham; two brothers, John Richard Sykes of Winston Salem, and Robert Franklin Sykes of Graham; grandson, Cameron Wallace Sykes; granddaughter, Rebecca Christine Sykes; and a very special companion of 25 years, Hilda Whelan of Margarettsville.

A celebration of life graveside service will be held on Wednesday, December 9, 2020 at 1 p.m. at the Deloatch-Sykes Family Cemetery, Conway, NC, with Rev. Becky Turner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that memorial contributions may be made to the Zion United Methodist Church, 205 Zion Church Rd, Conway, NC 27820 or The Masonic Home for Children, 600 College St, Oxford, NC 27565, or online by visiting tmcfunding.com/search fund: type – Walter Sykes.

The Sykes family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the nurses, Kim, Jackie, Lisa, Angie, and chaplain Joy of Vidant Home Health and Hospice for their love and sincere kindness shown to Mr. Sykes and them during his time of illness.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Sykes. family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.