Raymond Larry Sykes

Obituary: Raymond Larry "Ray" Sykes, 63, of China Grove died unexpectedly at his beach home in N. Myrtle Beach on Friday, June 22, 2018. A memorial service will be held at Clairmont Frewill Baptist at 2:00 PM on Saturday July 7, 2018. Ray was born August 4, 1954 in Charlotte, a son of the late Herman Sykes and Ruth Helms Milam of Kannapolis. In addition to his father, Ray was preceded in death by his brother, Carl Sykes. Ray will be remembered by his family as "the hardest worker they had ever known". He worked many places and held many jobs, such as being a pipefitter for Petroleum Equipment of Charlotte. Ray was affectionately known as "the old Goat". Ray never met a stranger, because they all became his friends. He was the man with the big heart and he loved everyone, especially his wife, children and grand-babies. Ray loved the 4th of July, Christmas and the beach. He was a true "Beach Bum" (minus the bum). Ray is survived by his wife, Tina King Sykes, his mother and step-dad, Ruth and Shorty Milam, his daughters, Amanda Sykes, Miranda Hinson, Heather Sykes, Lorrie Sykes and his special nephew, Richard Sykes, his 9 grandchildren; Tommy Hinson, Hollie Teleshuk, Taylor Hinson, Katie Teleshuk, Christian Walker, Makayla Ross, Kimberlynn Martin, Vanessa Rae, Carly Long, his 5 great-grandchildren; Terrence, Amarah and Adrian Hinson and Emma and Ben Fusco, his brothers are Charlie and Roy Sykes and his step-brothers are Eric, Ronnie and Mike Milam. He is also loved by many nieces and nephews. Online condolences may be left at www.whitleysfuneralhome.com.
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Service: 2:00 PM Saturday July 7, 2018 Clairmont Freewill Baptist Church

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