Joseph Wesley Sykes, “Joe” was born on July 4th, 1939, and on September 24th, 2023, at the age of 84, he was called home to be with our Heavenly Father. Joe was a native of Norfolk, VA and the son of the late Joseph Cale and Erma Brown. He was a diligent and tireless worker. In his young professional career, he worked as supervisor at Giant Open Air Market’s flagship supermarket store that was located in the heart of the Ward’s Corner section of Norfolk.  He ended his professional career working for Stihl, Inc. where he received a “Distinguished Service Award” to honor his loyal and continuous service from 1984-2004. Joe was a lover of books. He read everything he could get his hands on. During his retirement years, he went on to sell books and clothes on the weekends at the Bellwood Drive-In Flea Market just outside of Richmond, Virginia. He was teacher at heart, and he spent countless hours engaging his friends in conversations about books, politics, music, and life in general. Among all the books he treasured, none held a more special place in his heart than the Bible, which he knew inside and out. Joe lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering kindness. His warmth touched the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a dedicated and loving father. Joe was preceded in death by his wife, Thelma T. Sykes; one sister, Dorothy Brown; and two sons: Gary W. Sykes and Tony B. Sykes. He is survived by his son, Dexter Sykes; daughter, Jonita Sykes-Joyner; and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.