Obituary of Patricia H. Sykes

Patricia Sykes, 66, of The Villages, Florida, passed away early Sunday morning, June 10, 2018. 

Pat was born in Boaz, AL, and grew up in Auburn/Opelika, Alabama.  She married Parker Sykes on May 5, 1972 date in Auburn. They frequently relocated for Parker’s career to locations in Ontario, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Iowa and Indiana.  They spent nineteen years in Davenport and Cedar Falls, Iowa and ten years in Carmel, Indiana. They moved to the Villages in 2008. 

Early in their marriage, Pat worked a variety jobs but her true career choice was supporting Parker.  She took care of the household, their pets, developed a passion for exercise, fitness, golf, tennis, and in The Villages, Pickleball.  Her #1 love was running.  During her 30’s and early 40’s, she competed in a number of races both in Iowa and around the country.  These were often combined with travel destinations and vacations.  Pat and Parker were able to visit 49 states and took numerous cruises which they thoroughly enjoyed (escape from Iowa winters).

She is survived by her husband, Parker; her brother Mac Hefner; her sister Joyce Hyche; Mac’s wife Annette; their daughter Lauren Gingras; Lauren’s husband Danny; their children Bradley, Anna-Scott, and McDaniel; Joyce’s husband Will; their son Scottie Hyche; Scottie’s wife Suzy; their son William; Joyce and Will’s daughter Celtie Wade; her husband Dean; and their daughters Molly and Mallory.

Pat developed many amazing friendships in the nearly 10 years in The Villages.  Many of these were rooted in the various golf groups she participated in.  Her daily running continued until near the end.  Pat enjoyed visiting with neighbors often as she cooled down from a run while walking in the neighborhood.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place on Saturday the 23^rd of June at 2 PM at HIERS-BAXLEY Funeral & Cremation Life Event Center, 3975 Wedgewood Lane, The Villages 32162.  At 4 PM feel free to stop by Pat and Parker’s home, 785 Aberdeen Run for socializing and sharing stories about our loving Pat (Patricia Kay to close friends, Trish to family).

You are welcome to remember Pat through a gift to the American Lung Association which promotes the savedbythescan.org lung cancer screening campaign; Pat’s church Meadowbrook, Ocala, your own church; or an animal protection agency of your choosing.