Billy C. Sykes

Billy C. Sykes, 85, of Ballinger, passed away Saturday morning, June 28, 2008 in a San Angelo Hospital.

Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:00 PM on Sunday, June 29 at Lange Funeral Home.
A memorial service for Bill will be held at the First Presbyterian Church in Ballinger on Monday, June 30, 2008 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Kary Rawlings and Rev. Ferris Akins officiating.

Bill was born on July 30, 1922 in Goldthwaite, TX to Otto C. and Katherine P. (Reed) Sykes. He graduated from Ballinger High School and attended San Angelo College before joining the US Army Air Corp in May of 1944. He served as a pilot in the CBI Theater, receiving a Distinguished Flying Cross and four Bronze Stars. After the war, he returned to Ballinger and married his sweetheart, Mary Lynn on December 27, 1947 in the First Presbyterian Church.

A rancher by trade, Bill’s passion involved his work and his horses, but above all was his love and devotion to his Lord and Savior, wife, children and grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Mary, of Ballinger; his children, Ted Sykes and wife, Donyale of Altoona, PA, Tom Sykes and wife, Deborah of Ballinger and Alison Sykes of Houston; his grandchildren, Tanner Sykes and wife, Jennifer of Houston, Leslie Ann Sykes of Lubbock, Zachary Sykes, Brighton Sykes and Audrey Claire Sykes all of Altoona.

Also surviving are his brother, Bobby Sykes and wife, Pat of Eldorado, nephews Robert Sykes and wife, Lisa of Midland and Steve Sykes and wife, Ann of Amarillo and numerous other family members and friends, including his faithful four-legged companion, “Logan”.

The family requests that memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Ballinger, the Ballinger Carnegie Library or a favorite charity.