Alexander Thomas Sykes

Mr. Alexander Thomas Sykes, 88, of Efland, NC passed away on the morning of January 1, 2018. He was the son of the late Alcy and Martha Dalton Sykes. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hilda, two daughters, Brenda McCants (Larry) of Colorado Springs, CO; Linda Poythress (Randall) of Efland, NC; and six grandchildren (Ryan, Christina, Galen, Jonathon, Ryan, Harrison) and four great grandchildren. Alex Sykes was a long-time veteran of the military service, having served two tours in Korea, two tours in Vietnam, two tours in Japan, and three years in Germany. He received numerous military honors including the Combat Infantry Badge, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Senior Aircraft Crewman badge, Rifle Expert Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal (5), Campaign Stars, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 3 Campaign States, United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Korea Campaign, Presidential Unit Citation, and the Korean War Service Medal. In addition to his service to the US Army, he also retired from the US Postal Service. Alex was not only committed to his country, but to his community. He was a past Master of the Eagle Lodge#19, Hillsborough, NC, and was past Master of Bingham Lodge #272, Mebane, NC, a member of American Legion Post #95, VFW Post 1920, and a longstanding and active member of the Chestnut Ridge United Methodist Church. His commitment was to always give back and to serve his country, community, friends and family. He will leave a legacy to many. A funeral service will be held Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 2:00 PM at Chestnut Ridge United Methodist Church. Officiating will be Reverend Aaron Hayworth and Reverend Tyler Moore. Burial with Military and Masonic Graveside Rites will follow in the church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 Friday evening at McClure Funeral Home in Mebane. Other times they will be at the residence. Online condolences may be sent at www.mcclurefuneralservice.net