Billy B. Sykes

Billy Blake Sykes was born in Dallas, TX on February 26, 1966, and passed away in Chatfield, TX on September 3, 2023. Growing up in Dallas, Billy cultivated his love for playing soccer, German Shepherds, and dirt track racing. He also enjoyed weekends in the country in Chatfield, where his grandparents lived. He and his parents moved to Chatfield in 1980 and he attended Blooming Grove High School where he was active in football, basketball, tennis, and FFA. After high school, he attended Navarro College and the University of North Texas. Upon graduation, he began a career with Liberty Mutual Insurance in Corsicana. During this time, he married his high school sweetheart, Nancy Mathison Sykes. In 1993, he took a promotion and they moved to Gainesville, Georgia where they spent almost 15 years. While there, they made great friends, enjoyed water skiing, and hung out with neighbors on the lake each weekend. During this time, his dad passed away and his mom moved out to be with them. Billy and Nancy welcomed their son, Blake while there and they enjoyed spending their Saturdays at the soccer field. In 2007, his department closed, and they decided to move back home to Chatfield, Texas. He began following Navarro College sports again, thanks to his dear friend, Kevin Stephens, and was at most football, basketball, and soccer games. He became a band parent after his son learned to play the trumpet. He was very proud of him and was at most every game and concert performed by him. Billy could always be found outside fishing, hunting, or mowing. He began mowing yards for people in the community and almost everyone in Chatfield knew and loved him. They recognized his blue truck with his German Shepherd in the back and his John Deere lawn mower that he rode around the community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Buford Ballard and Martha Ruth Sands Sykes; brother, Randy Sykes; his Aunt Fabris “Punkin” Bryant, Uncle Kenneth "Kenny" Bryant, Cousin Jeff Bryant, and his German Shepherds, Charlie, KJ, Duke, Bennett and Zena. He is survived by his wife, Nancy Mathison Sykes, son Blake Brandon Sykes, German Shepherd Bovy, Grand dog Ruger, Sister Becky Lynn Sykes, Cousin Kenneth & Jacqueline Sands and Sandi, Cousin Debbie & Steve Foster and kids, McDowell Family cousins, Sister and Brother-in–laws Sharon & Gary Watkins, Debra & Paul Goyne, Tim & Tiffany Mathison, and countless more family and friends. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 6 from 6-8 PM and services will be on Thursday, September 7 at 10 AM. Both held at Griffin-Roughton Funeral Home in Corsicana, Texas. A graveside service will follow at the New Chatfield Cemetery in Chatfield, TX. Memorial video link below https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/5QJCXDP4LQXTMX7T

Billy B. Sykes

February 26, 1966 - September 3, 2023