Eugene L. Sykes
October 16, 1953 ~ December 25, 2001
Resided in:
Candler, NC
Asheville Butterfly Trail
Eugene Leavern Sykes, 48, died Tuesday, December 25, 2001, at his home in Candler.
Born October 16, 1953, in Chattanooga, TN, he was the son of Elgiva Mull Sykes of Candler and the late Garlon Leavern Sykes.
He was self-employed as an orthodontic laboratory technician. He was the music director at Montmorenci United Methodist Church for 20 years, as well as at the Mount Pisgah Academy Seventh day Adventist Church and most recently at the Asheville North Seventh-day Adventist Church.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife, Dianne Hinson Sykes of Candler; two daughters, Heather Sykes Colburn and her husband Brad of Chattanooga and Jennifer Sykes Hannah and her husband Randy of Canton; one brother, Garry Wayne Sykes and his wife Judy of Asheville; a grandmother, Lucile Sykes of Cleveland, TN, as well as many other family members and friends.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Friday, December 28, at Mount Pisgah Academy Seventh-day Adventist Church with Pastors Walt Williams and Willie Oosthuizen officiating. Burial will follow at Pisgah View Memorial Park.
His family will receive friends from 12:30 - 2:00 pm Friday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Asheville North Seventh-day Adventist Church Building Fund, 364 Broadway Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
Groce Funeral Home on Patton Avenue is assisting the family.
Mrs. Sykes, Dianne & family, Garry & Judy, & all the Sykes family == words cannot possibly say the grief & saddness I feel at Gene’s death. I am so glad he did not suffer & everyone was able to be with him. cancer is ‘no respector of persons’ & his passing will leave a hole in many lives. He was such a happy, kind & loving man. I’ve been blessed to know him & Garry >> to continue being friends with Garry & Judy + the rest of the Sykes family. Love & prayers for peace & hope ++ JamiSu Osborn
I was surprised and saddened to read of Eugene’s death. As the Pastor of Hominy Baptist Church for 23 years, I worked with Eugene every year on the Community Thanksgiving Service. His contributions to the music part of that program were tremendous. His talent and spirit will be missed by this community. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS. IF YOU NEED US FOR ANYTHING PLEASE LET US KNOW. SORRY THAT WE COULD NOT BE THERE. WITH LOVE, WILLIE AND KELLY DEVORE
Dianne, know that my heart and prayers are with you. I will always be grateful that we were reuinted at Mom Bigham’s luncheon in October and that I was allowed to visit with you and Gene and get to speak to him just before he passed. Terry says that its very likely that he could hear us; if not, at least we got to share that love and camaraderie in the room around him. Yours truly
Jennifer and Heather:
It saddened me greatly to read
of your dad’s passing. I want you to know that both of you, and your mother, are in my prayers. I often recall and remember what wonderful workers you both were at Pisgah Manor.We know that the Lord is coming very soon, and if you remain true and faithful,you will again see your dad in the ressurection.
Love
Brenda
Dear Garry, Elgiva, Diane and girls: I am so sorry for your loss. Though we haven’t been able to connect with you directly about Eugene’s illness, Jami has been keeping me informed. Our family is praying for yours. Love, Judy
Gene was a dear friend and a great role model. He loved his family and friends tremendously, but more than that he loved the Lord with all his heart, and his actions proved that. His smiling face and up-beat attitude would always brighten my day, and I think that is what I will miss most of all.
Dianne: I cannot begin to tell you how deeply saddened I was when I learned of Eugene’s death. I very fondly remember our days at Bon Marche’ in the Men’s Department!!! I used to run into Eugene occasionally at a local dental office…and it was always a joy to see him because we would end up laughing together. I was aware of Eugene’s illness, because I work at Cancer Care. Because of patient privacy issues, I could not contact you, and that was VERY HARD for me to do. I have often thought of you both over the years, and you both have been continually in my prayers since June of last year. I just wanted to drop you a line to wish you the best. In my prayers, Teresa