Wiley Arnold “Jack” Sykes, Jr., age 93, died after a long battle with prostate cancer Sunday morning, August 12, 2018, at his home in Greensboro, North Carolina. He was born July 28, 1925, in Greensboro, to Wiley Arnold Sykes, Sr., and Gertrude Harts Sykes. He graduated from Curry High School in 1942 at age 16. He enrolled in NC State College, and then at age 17 enlisted in the Navy. He was commissioned as an Ensign Naval Aerial Navigator July 28, 1945, flew the South Pacific in Navy Squadron VR-11, and was released from active duty in October 1946. He was readmitted to NC State and received his BS in Engineering in 1948.
Jack joined Squadron VP-861 of the Naval Air Reserve Training Unit in Norfolk, Virginia, in 1947. Recalled to active duty in 1950, he was sent to Corpus Christi, Texas, where he suffered a severe car wreck that left him unable to serve. He was medically retired at the rank of Lieutenant J.G. in 1951. He returned to Greensboro and began working for the city as Assistant Plumbing Inspector. Over the next sixty-five years Jack had a wide-ranging career as a civil engineer and land developer in Greensboro. He held positions with the Beaman Corporation, Central Engineering, Butler Brothers Construction Company, and Borum & Associates; and was a partner in various real estate corporations including Wedgewood Investment Corporation and Sykes & Sykes of Greensboro LLC.
Jack met his future wife, Virginia “Ginny” Fields, at Woman’s College (now UNC-G) in 1948. They were married October 11, 1952, and have been married for over 65 years. Jack is survived by his wife, Ginny; his four children Martha Sykes of Taos, New Mexico, Wiley Arnold (and Jean) Sykes, III, of Greensboro, Bryan (and Kandi) Sykes of Greensboro, and Jeffrey Sykes of Alameda, California; his seven grandchildren Michael (and Kelly) Self, Elizabeth Sykes, Anna Sykes, Samantha Sykes, Benjamin Sykes, Jacob Sykes, and Abigail Sykes; his great-granddaughter Emma Self; and numerous nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Hallie Sykes Bacelli, and his brothers Marvin and Gordon Sykes.
The family will greet friends and associates from 6-8pm on Thursday, August 23, at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home, 515 N. Elm Street, Greensboro. Memorial services will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, September 1, 2018, at First Baptist Church of Greensboro where he was member for 78 years. The family gives special thanks to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, particularly Lindsay Medaloni, Molly Lyle, and Shakeda Burton; and to 1st Choice Home Care of Greensboro, particularly Yvette Glenn, Emilia Akuetevi, Loraine Kpalou, Shona Jones, Jessica Hall, Janet McGoldrick, and Cathy Propst. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice and Palliative Care of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, NC 27405 or to a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.haneslineberryfuneralhomes.com.
