James Franklin "Frank" Sykes Sr.

Frank was born in Sampson County, North Carolina, on October 21, 1942 to the late Leona "Sissie" Maynor Sykes and Dan Sykes. Although the family moved to New Jersey when he was a teenager, Frank always treasured his North Carolina roots. March 1962, he met his loving wife Dolores, started a family, and worked in the trucking industry while living in New Jersey. In 1988, he moved his family to North Carolina, where he started his own business, Sykes and Son Trucking.

Franks striking, charismatic personality was loved by everyone, but what he valued most was his family. Frank would make everybody laugh with his crazy life stories. Frank's home was a gathering place full of good friends, food and cold drinks. Those who knew him will miss his loving spirit, infectious laughter, and amazing smile.

Frank leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 46 years, Dolores Sykes of Fayetteville, NC; his children: Venus Sykes Williams (Cory) of Phillipsburg, NJ, Spring Sykes of Tampa, FL, Joy Sykes Vinson (Dennis) of Cape Girardeau, MO, James Franklin "Frankie" Sykes II of Fayetteville, NC; his twin brother John Sykes (Rowena) of Selma, NC; sister Naomi "Wootsie" Davis of, Somerset, NJ; a special daughter-in-law, Kristy Sykes of Fayetteville, NC; grandchildren Crystal, Devin, Diamond (Mario), Chelsea, James III , Dennis II, Cassie, Danny, Jenea, Jerica, Deondré and Cory; a beloved great-granddaughter, Alaura; and a host of family and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father and four of his siblings: Elizabeth "Liz" Sykes Small, Mildred Louise "Baby Ray" Murphy, Wilma Jean Sykes Rodriguez, , Rebecca Sykes and George Daniel Sykes.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 22, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at Jernigan-Warren Chapel with burial following in Lafayette Memorial Park.