Mr. Livingstone Bridges Sykes, III passed away on Aug. 27 in St. Louis, Missouri. 

Mr. Sykes was 76 years old.

“LB,” son of Annie Pearl (Lewis) and Livingstone B. Sykes, Jr., entered this life in Lanett on Aug. 9, 1943. He was the first child of three siblings born to that union. 

Baptized at an early age, he participated in the children and youth activities at Goodsell United Methodist Church in Lanett.

He was an outstanding athlete in football and basketball in his elementary and high school years at Lanier High School. 

Livingstone’s high school performance led to his earning a four-year athletic scholarship for basketball at Florida A&M University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, Florida.

Upon graduation from FAMU, he began his career as a cartographer with the U.S. Department of Defense in St. Louis, Missouri. Livingstone married Roslyn Kelley on March 7, 1970, in Jackson, Mississippi. 

To this 32-year union, one daughter, Tonya, was born. After more than 30 years with the Defense Mapping Agency, he retired to a life of hobbies, especially golf, and servant leadership at Union Memorial United Methodist Church.

He had been a member of Union Memorial since 1972, and in his 47 years as a member, he served God in many capacities. 

His service began as a member of the United Methodist Men, of which he later became President.

Some of his services to Union Memorial were bible study teacher, golf ministry vice-chair, lay speaker, lay leader, 22 years, finance committee chair, administrative board/council chair, delegate to the Missouri Annual Conference for 22 years, as well a host of other positions.

He expanded his services to the district and conference level as well.

These included the St. Louis Church Extension Society, Black Methodists for Church Renewal and the Board of Ordained Ministry.

Livingstone was known throughout the community and was loved by many.

He was especially passionate about the mentoring of youth and children.

In his infinite wisdom, God called Livingstone, his faithful and precious servant, home. 

He was preceded in death by parents, Annie P. Sykes and Livingstone B. Sykes, Jr.

His memory will always be cherished by his daughter, Tonya Sykes, of Washington, D.C.; brother, Donald L. Sykes, of Smyrna, Georgia; sister, Jacqueline Sykes, of Atlanta; and a host of other family and friends.

A celebration of life service was held on Aug. 30 at Union Memorial United Methodist Church in St. Louis, Missouri. A memorial service for Mr. Sykes will be held on Oct. 5 at 11 a.m. EDT in the sanctuary of the Goodsell United Methodist Church, 1007 N 6th Ave. in Lanett, with the Rev. Dr. Randy B. Kelley, Pastor, Eulogist, the Rev. Leonard Autry, the Rev. Janice Clark, the Rev. Deborah Brooks, assisting.

If lieu of floral tributes, the family asks that donations be made to Goodsell United Methodist Church on 1007 N 6th Ave in Lanett 36863 in reference to the L.B. Sykes/John Smith Scholarship/Building Fund. 

Cards of condolences can be mailed to Mr. Donald Sykes in 1700 Clay Brooke Ct., SE in Smyrna, Georgia 30082.

To express online condolence, please visit our website at www.mwleemortuary.com.

Service of love entrusted to M.W. Lee Mortuary of West Point.