Robert Dougle "R.D." Sykes, age 83, of Lumberton died at Southeastern Regional Medical Center in Lumberton. He was born in Bladen County on April 17, 1934 to the late Dougle and Dollie Willoughby Sykes. In 1952, he married his childhood sweetheart, Nancy Carolyn Hughes. They were the parents of Carolyn, Teresa, and Tammy.

R.D. enjoyed many career pursuits and hobbies, including: jeweler, cowboy, Gospel DJ, restaurateur, handyman, and his favorite, singer and entertainer! He was a quick-wit and had a smile and joke for everyone. He touched many lives during his time working at Carroll Middle School, especially mowing the grass in his signature umbrella hat.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Cletus Sykes and Leonard Sykes; and a sister, Dorinda Causey.

Mr. Sykes is survived by his wife, Nancy Sykes of the home; three daughters: Carolyn Griffin (Roger Martin) of Lumberton, Teresa Armstrong (David) of Greenville, SC, and Tammy Bradley of Lumberton; one brother, Don Sykes (Valerie) of Moscow, TN; two sisters: Argie Smith of Bladenboro and Vann Green (Lenue) of Shallotte; five grandchildren: Rebecca Armstrong, Chip Campbell, David Armstrong, Ashley Prosser, and Austin Griffin; and ten great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, May 19, 2017 at 1:00 PM at Trinity Holiness Church with Rev. Jami Lewter and Rev. Bobby Smith officiating. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Cemetery in Bladenboro. A time for visitation will be held prior to the service from 11:30-12:45 PM at the church.

In lieu of flowers memorials are encouraged to be sent to Gibson Cancer Center, 1200 Pine Run Drive, Lumberton, NC 28358.