Phillip Matthew Sykes, 75 years old, beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and great uncle went home to be with the Lord on February 14, 2023.  He was born in Portsmouth, VA to the late Virginia Mae Sykes.  He was educated in the Portsmouth public school system and furthered his education in various adult educational programs. One would say that He was a self-made individual, he was well read.  He could speak at any event and shine as if he was born for it, but by trade he was an accountant during his residency in New York, from 1967 until 1993 when he moved to Portsmouth, VA he acquired employment at Naval Medical Center, in Portsmouth in 1995 and remained up to the time his illness forced him into retirement in November 2022.

Mr. Sykes was always a charmer so it is not surprising that the Lord took him on Valentine’s Day, a festive day that celebrate romantic, love, friendship and admiration.

Phillip is survived by his son, Jason Harris-Arizona, grand-son, Mathias Harris-Arizona, sister, Lottie Ann Sykes-New York, Brother, Reverend Jessie (Ronnie) Warren-Virginia, Sister, Wanda Bailey-New York, brother-in-law, Carlton Bailey-New York, brother, Tony Powell-New York and a host of nephews, nieces, great nephews, nieces, great, great nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.  Phillip is predeceased by his mother, Virginia Mae Sykes, brothers, Leroy Carl Powell, Tyrone Tillman Powell, aunt, Dorothy Taylor, great nephew, Seyquan Maurice Chambliss.