Emory Howard Sykes

Mr. Emory Howard Sykes, 87, of Blountville, passed away on Thursday, December 4, 2014 at Holston Valley Medical Center. Born on April 13, 1927 in Russell County, VA, he was the son of the late Charlie Sykes and Rachael Artrip Sykes. Mr. Sykes served in the United States Army during World War II and was an active member of the Bristol VFW Post 9675. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner and a former member of the VFW Honor Guard. Mr. Sykes also served as the treasurer for the Community Chest (United Way), was active in the Indian Springs Ruritan where he served within several offices, a volunteer for the Veterans Administration for many years and served on the Band Boosters for Central High School. Mr. Sykes retired from Kodak (Tennessee Eastman) and was a member of Indian Springs Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, Charlie and Rachael Artrip Sykes, he was preceded in death by his wife of over 52 years, Mildred McClellan Sykes; son, Randall Howard Sykes; and nine siblings. He is survived by his children, Johnny McClellan and his wife, Peggy; Charles “Chuck” McClellan and his wife, Wanda; and Theresa Klein and her husband, David; grandson, Taylor Howard Sykes and his wife, Clarissa; four additional grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; and his special friend, Lorraine Stanley.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 10, 2014 at East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with the Dr. Roc Collins officiating. A graveside service will follow the service in the Christus Garden of East Lawn Memorial Park with Military Honors to be rendered by the Bristol VFW Post 9675. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to Indian Springs Baptist Church, c/o the Music Department, 325 Hill Rd., Kingsport, TN 37664, www.isbc.org. Online condolences may be sent to the family www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park has the honor of serving the family of Mr. Sykes.