William Marvin Sykes Jr.

William Marvin Sykes, Jr. of Johns Island, SC, passed away peacefully on Oct. 17, 2023 at St. Francis Hospital in West Ashley at the age of 81. His Funeral Service will be held Saturday, October 21, 2023, in the J. Henry Stuhr Inc., West Ashley Chapel, 3360 Glenn McConnell Parkway, at 2:00 pm. Burial will immediately following at Carolina Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday, October 20, 2023, from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, at Stuhr's West Ashley Chapel. 

Born in 1941 in Charleston, SC, son of the late William Marvin Sykes and Helen Francis Sykes from Charleston. Marvin graduated from St. Johns High School in 1960 and enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. Marvin stayed in the reserves for many years and met his beloved wife, Reba (Betty) Sykes. They recently celebrated 60 years of marriage. 

Marvin worked at Mobil Chemical Plant for 42 years. He took several classes at The Citadel to climb the corporate ladder and retired as the plant manager in 2003. 

During retirement, Marvin filled his time volunteering at Roper Hospital. There, he spent most of the time educating and supporting patients after total knee replacements. He was also a lifelong member of 60 years of the Fidelity James Island Lodge 304 of James Island.  Marvin donated the maximum amount of blood allowed to the American Red Cross. 

He was an active member of First Baptist Church of Johns Island. He attended Sunday school regularly and proudly served as a deacon. One of Marvin’s favorite hobbies was growing day lilies. He took pride in cross pollinating and growing new hybrids. Marvin named each day lily after family members, depending on color and characteristics. 

Marvin is preceded by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. William M. Sykes Sr. He is survived by his wife, Betty Sykes of Johns Island, SC; two sons, Kenneth Marvin Sykes (wife - Susan) of James Island, Theodore Ashley Sykes (wife - Dana) of Johns Island; five grandchildren, Logan, Ashlynn, Garrett, Hayden, Lauren; four great granddaughters; brother, James “Pickle” Sykes (wife - Karen) of Johns Island; and many nieces and nephews. 

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at St. Francis. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to First Baptist Church of Johns Island. 

Forever Semper Fi, 
“OORAH”