Bob J. Sykes went to
his eternal home in Heaven to be with Jesus on December 24, 2016. Mr. Sykes was
born on November 23, 1934, in Ft. Smith, Arkansas to Preston and Mary Sykes. He
spent his formative years in Ft. Smith and attended Ft. Smith High School. After
graduation, Bob attended Oklahoma University where he was a proud member of the
Alpha Tau Omega fraternity.
Bob married Gayle
Sykes, also of Ft. Smith, and together they created a life that far exceeded
their small town dreams. Bob began his career with Haggar slacks, in Dallas,
TX, where he was promoted to Vice President of Sales. After 13 years with the
company, Bob and Gayle moved with their two children to Hot Springs, AR. Mr.
Sykes dedicated much of his life to the betterment of Hot Springs through his
civic mindedness and numerous, innovative investments, which included being the
founder and first president of Magic Springs theme park. Mr. Sykes also began
the Fourth of July tradition of shooting off fireworks from his lake home, which
became so popular with the locals that for years he put on the annual Lake
Hamilton fireworks show. In addition to owning and operating many successful
businesses in the Hot Springs area, Bob served as President of the Hot Springs
Chamber of Commerce, for which he was honored by President Bill Clinton for his
distinguished and exceptional service to the city of Hot Springs. In business,
Mr. Sykes was known for his innovative ideas, keen negotiating skills, no
nonsense attitude, and for always keeping his word.
Although he loved
business, real estate, and cars, Bob’s love for his family was unmatched. Mr.
Sykes took more pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren
than anything else. Always there to listen and advise, give you a compliment or
the ever-present handkerchief from his shirt pocket, Bob’s greatest legacy is
the family he leaves behind, including son, Terry Sykes, and Donna Sykes of
Albuquerque, NM; son, Richard Sykes, and wife Darlene Sykes, of Hot Springs,
AR; granddaughter, Kendall Sykes, and husband Kacey Butcher, of Oklahoma City,
OK; grandson, Joshua Sykes, and wife Nicole Sykes, of Albuquerque; granddaughter,
Sarah Sykes, of Albuquerque; grandson, Courtland Sykes of Hot Springs; and granddaughter,
Story (Sykes) Canon, and husband Darron, of Hot Springs. He is also survived by
five beloved great-grandchildren and numerous cousins and friends. Mr. Sykes is
preceded in death by his parents, Preston and Mary Sykes, and former wife,
business partner and lifelong friend, Gayle Sykes. Pallbearers will be
Courtland Sykes, Joshua Sykes, Kacey Butcher, Stan Robbins, Randy Robbins, and
Lance Bond.
Bob often said,
“Always leave things better than you find them,” and he remained true to this
principle in his business and personal relationships throughout his life. For
that reason, it is with profound sadness, yet tremendous pride, that we now
say, “Mr. Sykes, you left this world better than you found it.”
A funeral is
scheduled for January 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Evans Memorial Chapel, Pocola, OK. An interment at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Ft.
Smith, AR to follow the service. Visitation with the family will be held on
January 2, 2017 at the Evans & Miller Funeral Home, Pocola, OK, from 4-7
p.m. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to St.
Jude’s Hospital or your local animal shelter.
