A Good Man died last night

TDE

TDE

Joined
Jan 17, 2003
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My grandfather passed away last night and I just want to write a little tribute to him.
Clerance Sykes of Burlington NC died last night of heart faliure. he was an awesome 94.
A man who was a drinking and cussing man who found religon, changed his life and settled down.
He fought in WW2 and told me several stories, not as many as I would like because it was hard for him to talk about those memories. He help guard a concentration camp after our boys took over the area and wished he could help the folks he saw, such atrocities. He was part of a massive assault across a large river, pushing the Nazis across in a huge firefight.
I have held the machine gun a few times and will never forget it.

Even in the nursing home the last few years, he joked and flirted with the nurses, a "player" in his 90's. When I think of Papaw, I think about how much people have done to help this country, to take care of their families and it makes me damn proud to live in the United States in such a great time and place.
Thanks for letting me write this and I hope everyone has a great week ahead!

He is on the right in the picture below!

Paul
 

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TDE,

My condolences on your loss. Sounds like he was a helluva guy, and one-of-a-kind.
 
Sorry to hear of the loss of such a great guy. My deepest condolences to you and your family.
-Jack
 
My deepest sympathy to you and your family.
I can hear from the way you described him that you loved him dearly and his passing is a huge loss to you. Your grandfather participated in saving the world..... no small feat.

I wish you and your family everything of the best in this difficult time.

Condolences and regards
Steven
 
Your papaw was a contributing member of The Greatest Generation. All our lives are immeasurably better for their sacrifices and contributions. I thank him for all he did and offer you my sincere condolences for your loss.
 
mycroftt said:
Your papaw was a contributing member of The Greatest Generation. All our lives are immeasurably better for their sacrifices and contributions. I thank him for all he did and offer you my sincere condolences for your loss.
Click to expand...

+1 mycroftt

Prayers to your and your family TDE.

Sincerely,

Paul
 
mycroftt said:
Your papaw was a contributing member of The Greatest Generation. All our lives are immeasurably better for their sacrifices and contributions. I thank him for all he did and offer you my sincere condolences for your loss.
Click to expand...

My sentiments exactly. The way you describe him and what he did and how he lived, he's one of a vanishing breed. The world is poorer for his loss.
 
I'm sorry for your loss but happy that you grew up knowing someone like that. Congratulations and condolences.
 
If we keep the memories alive of men like him, some day we may get around to returning the country to what they made of it.
Rest in peace, Mr. Sykes, you earned it.
 
94 years and a life well lived. He saw the worst mankind can offer with the evil of genocide yet was able to rise above the horror and provide for his family and live love and laugh. your grandfather I am sure was a wonderful man. Death be not proud.

Ren
 
I imagine he did not go gentle into that good night. Sounds like he was a fighter all his life. My condolences.
 
Sorry for your loss,Paul-Sounds like a heck of a guy and a life well lived-My condolences,and prayers sent.

Shawn
 
Sorry to hear about the loss of your Grandfather, my prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family.
 
Ren the devils trailboss said:
94 years and a life well lived. He saw the worst mankind can offer with the evil of genocide yet was able to rise above the horror and provide for his family and live love and laugh. your grandfather I am sure was a wonderful man. Death be not proud.

Ren
Click to expand...

Greatest generation indeed. The things they saw, did and had to do put us to shame for the trifles we so often fret over these days. My wife's grandfather was such a man and I'm honored to have known him.
 
Paul,

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. He sounds like a good man. I'll keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Anthony
 
Esav Benyamin said:
If we keep the memories alive of men like him, some day we may get around to returning the country to what they made of it.
Rest in peace, Mr. Sykes, you earned it.
Click to expand...

mycroftt said:
Your papaw was a contributing member of The Greatest Generation. All our lives are immeasurably better for their sacrifices and contributions. I thank him for all he did and offer you my sincere condolences for your loss.
Click to expand...

L6steel said:
Amen to that!!!
Click to expand...

Could not have said it any better myself. Sorry for your loss, May he RIP.

James
 
TDE said:
My grandfather passed away last night and I just want to write a little tribute to him.
Clerance Sykes of Burlington NC died last night of heart faliure. he was an awesome 94.
A man who was a drinking and cussing man who found religon, changed his life and settled down.
He fought in WW2 and told me several stories, not as many as I would like because it was hard for him to talk about those memories. He help guard a concentration camp after our boys took over the area and wished he could help the folks he saw, such atrocities. He was part of a massive assault across a large river, pushing the Nazis across in a huge firefight.
I have held the machine gun a few times and will never forget it.

Even in the nursing home the last few years, he joked and flirted with the nurses, a "player" in his 90's. When I think of Papaw, I think about how much people have done to help this country, to take care of their families and it makes me damn proud to live in the United States in such a great time and place.
Thanks for letting me write this and I hope everyone has a great week ahead!

He is on the right in the picture below!

Paul
Click to expand...



Thanks for sharing his story. :)
 
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