Joseph Garland “J.G.” Sykes,  86, died on Thursday, December 20th, 2012. He was born January 7, 1926 to the late Garland Reid and Annie Sykes. He was also preceded in death by his beloved son, Jerry Garland Sykes, and sisters, Julie Sykes Upchurch and Pauline Sykes. 

J.G. is survived by his wife  of  60 years, Sue Sykes, daughters: Gloria Anderson and husband Wayne of Nashville and Janet Cooke and husband Clint of Rocky Mount; four grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Alice Edwards of Goldsboro, Charles Sykes and wife Betty of Emporia, VA, Everette Sykes and wife Sallie of Reidsville, and Alvin Sykes  of Spring Hope. 

A funeral service  was held Saturday, December 22 at the Chapel of Johnson Funerals and Cremations with interment following at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Flowers are welcome or memorials made be made to Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, 1460 Bethlehem Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27803.