Alvin Sykes

Dateline: Abingdon, VA- Alvin Sykes, age 86, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at his home. He was born on July 28, 1928 in Dickenson County, VA the second of nine children born to the late Fred Sykes and Bessy Yates Sykes. He was employed as a coal miner for Clinchfield Coal and also farmed tobacco and raised cattle after relocating to Abingdon, VA in 1969. In addition to his parents, Alvin was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Jearlene Mullins Sykes; an infant son, Michael Sykes; and two sisters, Launa Fletcher and Betty Edwards. He is survived by four children, Donna Bernice Dye and fiancé Rick Montgomery of Elizabethton, TN; Greg Sykes and wife Allene of Abingdon, VA; Tammy C. Anderson and husband Allen of Blountville, TN; and Melissa S. Williams and fiancé Bill Estep of Bristol, TN; four brothers: Elmer Sykes and wife Faye; Franklin Sykes and wife Sophie all of Palm Coast, FL; Bobby Sykes and wife Susie of Clintwood, VA; and Haskel Sykes and wife Carol of Church Hill, TN; two sisters, Marjorie Gumm of Gray, TN and Christena Fuller of Clintwood, VA; brother-in-law, Ray Edwards of Abingdon, VA; five grandchildren, Scottie Christopher Dye and wife Susan, Christie Dye, Whitney Walters and husband Lincoln, Candace Ashley Sykes, and Cody Alan Sykes; and two great grandchildren, Peyton Dye Cole and Colton Dye. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family of Alvin Sykes is being cared for by Farris Cremation and Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).