Edward Earl Sykes, Sr.

Edward Earl Sykes, Sr., 93, of Kinston went to be with his LORD and Savior on Sunday afternoon, January 8, 2023, with his four children gathered around him at the North Carolina State Veterans Home.

Ed was the youngest son and last living child of James B. and Susan (Sudie) Sykes.

He is survived by his four children, Gwen Sykes of Kinston, Deborah Sykes of Kinston, Edward Jr. and wife Marica Sykes of LaGrange and Jeffrey Sykes-Wade and husband Anthony Sykes-Wade of Conover; grandchildren, Christopher Syers, Kevin Syers, Darren Syers; favorite granddaughter, Samantha Banks; great grandchildren, Caleb, Gideon, Brianna, Layila, Kane, Jacob and Ethan.

Ed was an active member of Glen Raven Baptist Church where he taught Senior Citizens Sunday School for more than 30 years and was the janitor for about 25 years. He served on the Deacon board, was an Elder and sang in the choir. Ed occasionally filled in as speaker on Sundays.

He served our country in the US Army during the Korean Conflict during 1950-1953.

After returning home he married Grace Coe Eubanks on December 26, 1953. They were married for 58 years before her death in September 2012.

Ed never knew a stranger. He talked to everyone and his favorite thing to talk about was his LORD and Savior Jesus Christ.

He brought a smile to everyone’s face at the VA home while he was there. He always had a song to sing and his favorite was “One Day at A Time” which he sang all the time, when we visited him.

Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at Garner Funeral Home. Funeral service will begin after the visitation with Rev. Gene Miller and Chaplin Michael officiating. Burial will follow at Westview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to NC Veterans Home, 2150 Hull Road, Kinston NC 28504.