Jay William Sykes "Pops"

Jay William Sykes, better known as Pops, age 75, passed away December 7, 2025 at Moses Cone in Greensboro after three years of failing health. He was a cherished husband, father, Paw-Paw, son, brother, uncle, and friend.

Jay’s life was full of dedication and joy. He shared 48 years with the love of his life, Donna Sykes. They had 3 beautiful children Kelly, Travis (Jessica) and Kristin (Spencer). But his true love was his six grandchildren Skyler, Gracie, Dakota, Aubrey, Savana, and Nicolette. Jay had never missed one of his grandchildren's ballgames or school programs, they were his world.

He is preceded in death by his Parents, Lester and Mildred Sykes, Step-Mother Gladys Sykes; Brothers, Ricky Sykes and David (Pee Wee) Sykes; Sisters Carolyn Vaughn and Connie Horner; Father-In-law Bob Barham; Sister-In-Law Wendy Webster and Brother-In-Law Jamie Webster.

He is survived by his Step-Mother Delois (Danny) Davis; Brothers Jim Sykes and Harold (Tina) Sykes; Sisters Bobby Sweeny, Becky (Garland) Troxler, Vivan Crawford, Tammy (Danny) Maye ; Sister-In-Law Kathy Sykes, and Tammy Sykes ; a beloved Mother-In-Law Shirley Young (Granny); Brother-In-Law Dean Barham; Sister-In-Law Becky (Adam) Cates; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins. One beloved Best Friend Freddie Slade.

Jay was an Alamance County native and retired with 37 years with the CIty of Burlington. Jay was an avid New York Yankees fan, until they were down a run. Not only did he enjoy watching sports but he was also a youth coach for 20 plus years in Mebane. He continued the passion of coaching adult softball, specifically the Young Gunz Men's team. Jay traveled up and down the east coast coaching the Young Gunz being a coach, mentor and father figure along the way to everyone that played under him. He was well known in the softball community.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, December 13th, 2025, at 1:00 P.M. at McClure Funeral Home in Mebane located at 1308 South Third Street. The visitation will follow the service and officiating will be Joshua Webster. The family will receive friends after the service. A Special thanks to his care team and his personal nurse, Donna Sykes.