WHITSETT — Hedrick “Rick” Thompson Sykes III, 43 of Whitsett passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at his home.
Rick was born in Guilford County at Wesley Long Hospital. He was the son of Hedrick “Tom” Thompson Sykes Jr. and Victoria “Vickie” Bland Sykes, who survive.
He graduated from Walter Williams High School in 1998 and Appalachian State University in 2003, where he was a member of the Theta Chi Fraternity. He worked in insurance for 20 years. Rick was a member of Front Street United Methodist Church. Rick enjoyed playing golf and was an avid Carolina sports fan. He loved spending time with his family and adored his two nieces.
In addition to his parents Tom and Vickie, he is survived by his brother, Matt Sykes and his wife Whitney of Raleigh; two nieces, Savannah Sykes and Clara Sykes; uncle, Jeff Bland and his wife Barbara; three aunts, Drema Holder and her husband Jim of Burlington, Cathy Bland of Burlington, Jackie Sykes of Hillsborough; five cousins, Sean Bland, Amy Derosia and her husband Jeremy, James Holder, Jennifer Sykes, Cameron Sykes; and other loving extended family and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Hedrick Thompson Sykes Sr. and Margie Hogan Sykes; maternal grandparents, Jesse Bland and Agnes Smith Bland; and an uncle, Chet Sykes.
The family will receive friends on Thursday May 9, 2024, from 6 to 8 pm at Rich & Thompson Funeral Home in Burlington. A graveside service will be held at Chestnut Ridge cemetery in Orange County on Friday May 10, 2024, at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Front Street United Methodist Church to the ASP, PO Box 2597, Burlington, NC 27217.
