LEROY SYKES, Son of the late Benjamin Sykes, Sr. and Mary L. Walker, was born in Baltimore, MD on August 28, 1944. He attended pubic schools in Riverhead. N.Y., where he resided the majority of his life. He moved to Richmond, VA., in June of 2006, and lived here until his passing. He was baptized at an early Galilee at First Baptist Church in Riverhead, N.Y. Leroy loved being around his family. He enjoyed listening to the oldies. Although he lived with a handicap for many years, he wouldn't let it slow him down. In fad, he would go any and everywhere with his wheelchair. Even with his disability. he would take life in stride and he fought a good fight to he end. After Leroy had surgery in November of 2009, his health started failing, and he departed this life on Wednesday, February 3, 2010, at St. Francis Hospital in Midlothian, VA.

Leroy is preceded in death by his wife, Jeneva .M. Sykes, and his son, Richard L. Sykes, Sr. He leaves to cherish his, memory a loving and devoted daughter, Nikeya S. Sykes; 4 grandchildren, Richard Jr., Jamal, Shonya and Darius, all of Richmond, VA; 4 Sisters-Devora Brooks (George) of Westhampton Beach, N.Y., Beatrice Thomas of Riverhead, N.Y; Audrey Sims of Shirley, N.Y.; and Beatrice Burgess of Baltimore, MD; 7 brothers-in-law: 5 Sisters-in-law: 5 Aunts: a number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.