Carl Edward Sykes

Carl Edward Sykes, (82) of Burlington, passed away on Tuesday, January 20, 2024 after suffering a stroke on December 2, 2023. He was born on April 28, 1941 to Thelma May Webster and James Manley Sykes in Alamance Co, NC. 

Carl served in the United States Marine Corps for 11 years where he was a Sergeant and Drill Instructor.  He qualified as a sharpshooter and earned several metals of honor from his service in the Vietnam War. Carl was honorably discharged and became a Burlington Fire Inspector where he retired after 30 years. Carl knew many people throughout the city and was known as fair, but exacting in following inspection codes. He engaged in disciplined study of the Bible, and he was active in his church, Trinity Worship Center, where he led adult Sunday School classes over the years.  He also enjoyed watching classic movies.

Carl and Brenda Sykes were married in South Carolina and remained married for 44 years. Carl and Brenda had 2 children Melany Emery and Timothy Sykes. Melany passed away from a brain tumor in January 2018; she was survived by husband, James Emery, and son, Jacob Standafer, who has 3 children, Hudson, Tatum and Banks with Erin Parker.  Timothy Sykes married Lynne Lockyer and they have two children, Loryn Sykes and Lindsey Sykes. Loryn is married to Frank Frazier and they have a daughter, Ruby. 

Services will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Trinity Worship Center by Rev. Darrell Cox. Visitation will be held at 12pm prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Cancer Society P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.