William A. Sykes, Sr.

WILLIAMSPORT, PA - William A. "Bill" Sykes, Sr., 72, died on Saturday, May 19, 2007 at the Gatehouse. He was the husband of the late Bernice J. "Billie" (Hampton) Sykes who had died on October 2, 2002. The couple had been married for 50 years before her death. Bill was born on January 11, 1935 in Allenwood. He was a son of the late Collins "Red" and Lois (Bower) Sykes. He was a former employee of Landy Towel & Linen Service and retired from there with over 25 years service. The Sykes family has been in the valley for 6 generations. Bill was a lifetime member of the Eagles, Moose and American Legion. He was also a member of the VFW and the 40 & 8. He enjoyed bowling and had traveled and competed with bowling leagues all over the United States and was an avid golfer. Bill is survived by two sons; William A. "Bill" Sykes, Jr. and Steven M. Sykes, both of Williamsport, one daughter; Susan A. Kneale of Williamsport, six grandchildren; Jason and Shane Helminiak, Jill Morgan, Joshua and Arianna Sykes and Ian Sykes, one great granddaughter; Stevannah Helminiak and one brother; Robert "Bob" Sykes of Williamsport. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two sisters; Grace Bowling and Shiryl Adams. There will be a public viewing 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Allen & Redmond Funeral Home, 331 Elmira St., Williamsport. The funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with a viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Montgomery. Pastor Mark Riesinger from the 3rd St. United Methodist Church will officiate the services. Following the burial, there will be a family gathering at the Sykes homestead on Mill Street, Montoursville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Bill's memory may be made to the Gatehouse Hospice, 1100 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, PA 17701.