Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
Whitesell-Somers Family Web Project - Person Sheet
NameArnette Almond SYKES Jr. 
24,143, Obituary Harold Leon Whitesell,261, Arnett Almond Sykes, Jr.,156,3, Rev. Robert Joseph Rudd,261, Betty Zane Rudd Belcher,134, 10/05/1969-MAR- -SYKES, ARNETTE ALMOND JR.-WHITESELL, GLORIA JEAN,134, 05/28/1971-BTH- -SYKES, STACEY LOUREA,134, 01/04/1977-BTH- -SYKES, JAMEY KEIL,134, 10/20/1990-MAR- -SYKES, ARNETTE ALMOND JR-NEWMAN, MARY SUE RUDD-[MARRIAGE]
24,143, Obituary Harold Leon Whitesell,261, Arnett Almond Sykes, Jr.,156,3, Rev. Robert Joseph Rudd,261, Betty Zane Rudd Belcher,134, 10/05/1969-MAR- -SYKES, ARNETTE ALMOND JR.-WHITESELL, GLORIA JEAN,134, 05/28/1971-BTH- -SYKES, STACEY LOUREA,134, 01/04/1977-BTH- -SYKES, JAMEY KEIL,134, 10/20/1990-MAR- -SYKES, ARNETTE ALMOND JR-NEWMAN, MARY SUE RUDD-[MARRIAGE] DeathJan 4, 2026, Graham, Alamance County, North Carolina261, Arnett Almond Sykes, Jr.
Spouses
FatherHarold Leon WHITESELL (1926-1988)
MotherMinnie Louella SMITH (1929-1977)
FatherWillie Russell RUDD (1900-1951)
MotherSally Margaret WILSON (1904-1982)
Obituary Online notes for Arnette Almond SYKES Jr.
Arnett Almond Sykes, Jr.
May 17, 1949 - January 4, 2026
Arnett Almond Sykes, Jr., 76, of Graham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
A native of Alamance County, Arnett was the devoted husband of 35 years to Mary Rudd Sykes, who survives. He was the son of the late Arnett Almond Sykes, Sr. and Nell Ree Goodin Sykes. Arnett retired from the Alamance Municipal ABC Store and was a faithful member of Haw River United Methodist Church.
Arnett had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in fishing, hunting and guns, passions that reflected his appreciation for nature and time well spent. He was also known for his love of driving, always happiest when he was on the road or riding along, and for his strong work ethic. Arnett liked to stay busy, and work was never just a job to him, but a source of purpose and pride.
Above all else, Arnett was a family man. He was fiercely dedicated to his wife and incredibly proud of each of his children and grandchildren. His love, values, and passions live on through them, evident in the lives they lead and the people they continue to become. Though he has left this world, his presence remains with his family every day through the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he so freely gave.
In addition to his wife of the home, survivors include a daughter, Stacey Sykes Young and husband Todd; two sons, Jamey Keil Sykes and wife Audré, and R. Todd Newman and wife Daniela; eight grandchildren, Morgan Young, Keyston Young, Paul Young, Joshua Sykes, Allison Sykes, Tyler Newman, Kenan Newman, and Kaylee Newman; and a great-grandchild, Asher Newman.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Arnett’s caregivers, Tapreine Williamson-Walker and Jessenia Corretjer, for the compassion, kindness, and love they have shown Arnett and his family.
The funeral service will be conducted at Haw River United Methodist Church on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. by Rev. Laure Kalau Kaval and Rev. Jeanne Neal.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AuthoraCare Hospice, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, North Carolina 27215. 261, Arnett Almond Sykes, Jr.
May 17, 1949 - January 4, 2026
Arnett Almond Sykes, Jr., 76, of Graham, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his residence on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
A native of Alamance County, Arnett was the devoted husband of 35 years to Mary Rudd Sykes, who survives. He was the son of the late Arnett Almond Sykes, Sr. and Nell Ree Goodin Sykes. Arnett retired from the Alamance Municipal ABC Store and was a faithful member of Haw River United Methodist Church.
Arnett had a deep love for the outdoors and found joy in fishing, hunting and guns, passions that reflected his appreciation for nature and time well spent. He was also known for his love of driving, always happiest when he was on the road or riding along, and for his strong work ethic. Arnett liked to stay busy, and work was never just a job to him, but a source of purpose and pride.
Above all else, Arnett was a family man. He was fiercely dedicated to his wife and incredibly proud of each of his children and grandchildren. His love, values, and passions live on through them, evident in the lives they lead and the people they continue to become. Though he has left this world, his presence remains with his family every day through the lessons he taught, the memories he created, and the love he so freely gave.
In addition to his wife of the home, survivors include a daughter, Stacey Sykes Young and husband Todd; two sons, Jamey Keil Sykes and wife Audré, and R. Todd Newman and wife Daniela; eight grandchildren, Morgan Young, Keyston Young, Paul Young, Joshua Sykes, Allison Sykes, Tyler Newman, Kenan Newman, and Kaylee Newman; and a great-grandchild, Asher Newman.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Arnett’s caregivers, Tapreine Williamson-Walker and Jessenia Corretjer, for the compassion, kindness, and love they have shown Arnett and his family.
The funeral service will be conducted at Haw River United Methodist Church on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. by Rev. Laure Kalau Kaval and Rev. Jeanne Neal.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 2:00 p.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Pine Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to AuthoraCare Hospice, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, North Carolina 27215. 261, Arnett Almond Sykes, Jr.