Charles Troisville Sykes

Charles Troisville Sykes, Jr., age 78, of Long Beach passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2015. Charles was born in New Orleans, La to Charles T. Sykes, Sr. and Vivian Davis Sykes. He grew up and attended school in New Orleans, Slidell and Covington. He entered the U.S. Army at the age of 16 and was a Paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division during the Korean Conflict. After his years of service, he attended Perkinston Junior College and The Jackson School of Law. After being admitted to the Mississippi Bar, he moved to the Gulf Coast where he practiced law until his retirement. Upon retirement, he pursued his passion for antique restoration and woodworking. Charles was a past member of the Carnival Association of Long Beach, the Harrison County Development Commission, the St. Thomas School Association, and the Long Beach Girls’ Softball League. He was instrumental in assisting Sr. Delores Coleman D.C. in establishing the de l’Epee Deaf Center. He was an active member of St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic church, having served on the RCIA team. According to his grandchildren he made the best waffles, pancakes and omelets in the world. He was predeceased in death by his father, Charles T. Sykes, Sr.; mother, Vivian (Jimmie) Sykes Sison; stepfather, Gustave Sison; and brother, Lewis Sison. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Toni; sister, Susie (Paul) Miller; brothers, Gene Sykes and Gus(Mary Ann) Sison; daughters, Michele Bourne; Stephanie Carrasco; Charmaine (Clay) Hilton and Margaret (Charles) Chapman; grandchildren, Lindsey Bourne, Derek Miketinas, Nicole Miketinas, J.P. Carrasco, Clay Hilton, Chad Hilton, Cole Hilton, Alex Chapman and Nick Chapman; aunt, Ethel Paterno; and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. In Lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in his name to St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 720 East Beach Blvd, Long Beach, MS 39560, or the church or charity of your choice. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 6, 2015 at 12:45 PM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, Long Beach with a visitation from 11:30 AM until the Mass. Burial will follow at the Biloxi National Cemetery with military honors by the U.S. Army. Bradford-O’Keefe, 15th Street, Gulfport is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com