Charles O. Sykes

Charles O. Sykes, 84, long time Mount Olive businessman and resident, passed away unexpectedly in the early morning hours of Thursday, February 20, 2014. Services to celebrate his life will be Saturday, February 22, at 11:00 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Mount Olive, and will be officiated by Dr. Dennis Atwood and the Rev. Christopher Turner, after which burial will take place at Wayne Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Tyndall Funeral Home from 7 until 9 p.m. Friday, February 21, and at other times at the residence. Mr. Sykes, a native of Cumberland County, was a member of First Baptist Church of Mount Olive where he had been a choir member and for over 50 years, he was the attendance record keeper for the Church's Sunday school. Always an avid gardener, he was known for his benevolent acts of giving away many of his vegetables. As an auctioneer, he was frequent to offer his services to area churches and schools for fundraising functions, of course, without pay. He had been president and owner of Mount Olive Livestock Market since 1952, and at which he also utilized his auctioneering skills. He was an officer of Wayne County Livestock Development Association and was inducted into Wayne County Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2007. He was a long-standing member of the board of directors for Southern Bank and Trust Company. He truly loved and enjoyed children and he was ever ready to help others. Mr. Sykes is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy Draughon Sykes of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Regenia and John Bell of Stella, N.C.; a son and daughter-in-law, Marion and Jennifer Sykes of Mount Olive; four grandchildren, Shelly Bordeaux and husband, Landon, Lee Sykes and wife, Kristen, Christopher Sykes, and Stephanie Sykes; two great-grandchildren, Chandler Bordeaux and Charli Sykes; a sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Clarence Owen of Fayetteville; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenneth and Claire Sykes of Eastover, and Jerry and Judy Sykes of Godwin. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion H. and Vannie Holland Sykes; and a brother, Donald Sykes. Flowers are welcome to honor the life of Mr. Sykes, as well as memorial gifts to First Baptist Church, PO Box 203, Mount Olive, NC 28365, or to one's favorite charity. A Tyndall Service.