Brooke Norris Sykes Sr

NOTE: FOR ZOOM LINK TO SERVICE, PLEASE SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM. "A Salesman" Together Again. January 1, 2023. We lost a legend. Brooke Norris Sykes Sr, 88, joined his wife Barbara. One can only imagine how precious the heavenly reunion between Brooke and Barbara was when he passed. They had 70 earthly years together and created quite the family. Just 6 months after she passed, they are back together again. Brooke was born in Providence, Rhode Island, on May 11, 1934, the son of William and Villa Norris Sykes. In 1939, his family moved to Cranston. As a Master Counselor for DeMolay International Rhode Island, an organization of Masons, he met Ms. Barbara Haigh, an organist in the Rainbow Girls, an organization of the Eastern Star. In 1956, they were married. Together, they raised five kids on a small income, in a small house, but boy did they have a big life! A graduate of the prestigious Brown & Sharpe Tool and Die Apprenticeship Program, Brooke sold Brown & Sharpe small measuring tools all throughout New England. He flourished and thrived in sales. Brooke was promoted to sell and pioneer Brown & Sharpe’s “brand new product” called the Coordinate Measuring Machine in the Southeast so they moved to Charlotte NC from Rhode Island. He opened Brown & Sharpe’s first technical center in Charlotte NC and grew it to become the highest market share CMM brand in his territory. As he grew closer to retirement, B&S decided to try to spread his talents through-out their sales teams by appointing Brooke as head of employee sales training. Vacationing to Brooke was packing up the family station wagon with the tent, camping ware, 5 kids, dog, and camping for 1 or 2 weeks in the New Hampshire or Vermont mountains. Brooke helped coach the baseball team, was a Boy Scout Leader, and was always involved in the lives of his children to the max degree that he could. Self-worth and self-reliance were the most important teachings, all the while emphasizing treating people with care and respect. Family was vital, but most importantly, you were always going to have fun and laugh! Brooke was one of a kind. He was a talker—you could have an hour long phone call (that was short) and probably only get a few words in. He could be so stinkin’ grumpy but would usually end a rant with, “I’ll shut up now” and a smile. He taught us to blow the straw paper at the dinner table and always stuck his dentures out to make us laugh. He carried a keychain that said “mean people suck.” He named his colostomy bag “Frank” and was quite the jokester with it. He never met a stranger and was sure to show anyone and everyone the pictures he carried in his wallet from when he and Barbara first met. A true romantic, he could cuss like a sailor but made sure you knew he loved Jesus. His smirk, his finger point, his kisses and his hugs. He’ll be missed so much. But as he taught us—it’s not goodbye, it’s see ya later! Brooke is survived by four children: Cheryl (husband Jerry) Thurman of Olon, Ecuador, Diane (husband Clay) Alexander of Rock Hill, SC, Brooke (wife Gail) Sykes Jr of Columbia, TN, Brenda (husband Mark) True of Charlotte, NC; brother, William “Bill” H. Sykes of Algonac, MI; sister Harriet Sykes-Keuter; grandchildren Dale, Brooke Ann, Jesse, Katie, Brooke, Rachel, Charlie, Shelby, Brandon, Alex and Kyle; and 10 great grandchildren. Brooke is further survived by numerous other family and friends as well as his church family at Morning Star Lutheran Church. In addition to his wife, Barbara, Brooke was preceded in death by his parents; a son, David; a brother, Roger; and numerous four legged canine friends. Brooke’s family has given the family of Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home the privilege of caring for him and for them. The Sykes family will receive friends beginning at 2 pm on Saturday, Jan 21, at Morningstar Lutheran Church. A celebration of life service will then follow at 3 pm in the main worship center. Immediately following the service, Brooke will be then be entombed in the Morningstar Lutheran Church Columbarium located in the cemetery across the street. In lieu of flowers, the family thinks donations are for the birds. They would appreciate it if you would sponsor a bird in Brooke’s name at Parrot Mountain Gardens. The website will ask that you send a check. PLEASE NOTE ON THE CHECK THAT THE DONATION IS IN MEMORY OF BROOKE. That way, Parrot Mountain can keep the family informed of donations in his name. Here is the link to the page http://www.parrotmountainandgardens.com/?page_id=85 The mailing address is - Parrot Mountain Gardens, 1471 McCarter Hollow Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862-7248 Michael John Neddo OF Lowe-Neddo Funeral Home is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Brooke Sykes Visitation and Service Time: Jan 21, 2023 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82174608454?pwd=NEY2dHhhSGxlcmM4LzAxamJkYVZIdz09 Meeting ID: 821 7460 8454 Passcode: 999783 One tap mobile +13092053325,,82174608454#,,,,*999783# US +13126266799,,82174608454#,,,,*999783# US (Chicago) Dial by your location +1 309 205 3325 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 646 931 3860 US +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 305 224 1968 US +1 669 444 9171 US +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 689 278 1000 US +1 719 359 4580 US +1 253 205 0468 US +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 360 209 5623 US +1 386 347 5053 US +1 507 473 4847 US +1 564 217 2000 US Meeting ID: 821 7460 8454 Passcode: 999783 Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbKgz2f2EC

Brooke Norris Sykes Sr

May 11, 1934 - January 1, 2023