John S. Sykes, Jr

Johns S. Sykes, Jr., 86, died Saturday, October 29, 2011 at his home in Crystal Springs. Visitation is Monday, October 31, 2011 from 9 - 11 AM at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram. The funeral service will be at 11 AM Monday in the funeral home chapel with burial to follow in the Harmony Cemetery in Crystal Springs.\ \ Mr. Sykes was born March 16, 1925 to John & Tabbie Sykes. He served in the U.S. Marine Corp during WW II. He fought in Iwo Jima, Saipan, and Marianas Islands. He, along with his brother, C.E. owned Sykes and Sykes Masonry. He also worked offshore for 9 ½ years with Global Marine. In his free time, Mr. Sykes loved to fish and carry his grandchildren hunting. He was a member of Harmony Baptist Church in Crystal Springs.\ \ Mr. Sykes was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Sandra Drummonds; brothers, Charlie Ray Sykes and Monford Sykes; and sister, Carolyn Howard.\ \ He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Erma Sykes; son, Mitch McLendon; daughter, Janice Freeman (John); grandchildren, Lisa McLendon, Bubba McLendon, and Sara Westbrook; 7 great grandchildren; great-great grandson; brothers, C. E. Sykes, Richard Sykes, and O. A. Sykes; and sister, Clarice Davis.\ \ In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project at www.woundedwarriorproject.org\ \