Gary Lee Sykes went to be with his Lord and Savior on October 16, 2020. Gary was born on July 30, 1946 in Glendale, CA to parents Byron P. and Marjorie (Hartley) Sykes. Gary is survived by wife Vicky (Thompson) Sykes; children Jennifer and Jon with wife Pashe (Kelley) Sykes; and grandchild Josephina Hartley Sykes.
Gary served honorably in Vietnam from 1966 through 1968 in A battery 6th/15th Artillery where he received many commendations including the Bronze Star with valor for his heroism in battle. He suffered his whole life from this experience. Upon return, Gary attended and graduated from Texas A&M in Commerce with a double major in Biology and Chemistry. He was a member of the PJC golf team that ranked in the top ten junior college teams in the nation. He worked at the Department of Human Services as a Child Protective Services worker. Then he had 22 years with Exxon-Mobil in Talco, TX, eventually retiring in 2000. Many close friends knew him as “Pumper” from his years of work in the oil field.
Gary greatly enjoyed playing golf; exploring Caddo dig sites as an amateur archaeologist; spending time with his family and doating on his grandchild Josephina; watching the Cowboys every season; working in the yard; and travelling the world with good friends Charles and Jimmie Hodges. He was a member of Novice Baptist Church. He loved cooking his famous green beans for the monthly fried chicken luncheon and also cooking gravy for the men’s prayer breakfast.
Bright-Holland Funeral Home has scheduled graveside services, with military honors, for 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24th at Union Grove Cemetery in Reno, TX with Rev. Duane Falk officiating. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at Clyde Cosper Texas State VA Nursing Home in Bonham, TX for their exceptional 4 year care of Gary. We would also like to thank Bro. Duane Falk and Sunday School teacher Verlon Vaughn for their loving support and encouraging visits.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Novice Baptist Church, 13796 FM 195, Paris, TX 75462 or to the charity of your choice.
To leave a message or tribute for the family please visit www.brighthollandfunerlahome.com
