Thomas Franklin "Frank" Sykes

Thomas Franklin (Frank) Sykes, 84, of Point Clear, Alabama, entered his heavenly home July 11, 2025 after fighting a lengthy and valiant battle with Parkinson's Disease. His life of integrity, love of others, devotion to family and Godly principles will be remembered as one that brought joy and happiness to others as he faithfully walked the path that God created for him.

Frank, the son of Cornelia Young Sykes and William Thomas Sykes was born on August 21, 1940, in Noxapater, MS, spending his early years in Mount Vernon, AL. After graduating from Citronelle High School in 1958, he continued his educational endeavors at trade school in Nashville, TN where he learned the skill of linotype operator, which served him well in his professional life. After returning to Mobile during the Vietnam War era, he enlisted in the Air Force Reserve. He spent his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas then served his country for the next few years, while establishing himself in the printing industry in Mobile. God opened doors for him to meet and later marry Brenda Williams. As they formed their beautiful marriage partnership in February 1965, little did they know that their union would continue in so many ways for over 60 years.

Having worked with his brother, J.W. Sykes, who founded Quality Printing & Supply Inc. in 1962, Frank became a master printer and salesman, using his God-given talents to establish a broad base of customers not only in Mobile but many surrounding areas. He and Brenda became owners of Quality in 1982 with a daily working relationship and adding Quality Business Systems in 1985. They welcomed their two dear children, Jean Leslie and William Thomas II (Tommy) and eventually included them in their business. The family grew with blessings into the families of Jean Leslie Pratt, her husband Frank, their boys Franklin (Katie) and Daniel, and Tommy Sykes with Jackson, Will and Ben Sykes. The most recent addition to the family and the added sparkle in Frank's eyes has been the arrival of great-grandson Leon Edward Pratt.

Frank was preceded in death by his parents, William T. and Cornelia Sykes, brother, John William (JW) Sykes, Sister-in-law Christine Sykes, Brothers-in-law J.A.Stanley and Onree Wilkinson, and grandson Frank O. Pratt. Survived by his wife Brenda Williams Sykes, daughter Jean Leslie Pratt (Frank), son William Thomas (Tommy) Sykes II, five grandsons Franklin Edward Pratt, Daniel Joseph Pratt, Jackson Carl Sykes, William (Will) Thomas Sykes III, and Benjamin (Ben) Tomlinson Sykes, one great-grandson Leon Edward Pratt, sisters, Betty Jo Duke (Billy) and Carol Stanley and many other beloved family members.

The hobbies and interests of Frank could usually be centered around any activities on the Bay: setting his crab traps, making his famous crab cakes, boiling shrimp, frying okra, relaxing in his hammock, wharf life in general and working with Brenda as they managed to keep beautiful flowers blooming nearly every season. Resting, relaxing near the water, he and Brenda and family enjoyed the tranquility of God's beautiful creation, marveling at the spectacular sunsets on Mobile Bay.

Service in the work of the Lord was always utmost in Frank's life. He and Brenda were part of the Lafitte Baptist Church (formerly Plateau Baptist Church) when it was chartered and served faithfully and loyally as deacon, in many leadership positions, Sunday School teacher and in Children's Ministries. He continued his leadership and service when they moved to Point Clear at Faith Baptist Church in Fairhope, then Fairhope Community Church. Frank knew and loved the Lord and served Him with gladness all his life actively supporting the ministries of Women's Care Medical Center, Alabama Baptist Children's Home, AHEPA Second Sunday Fellowship, Light of the Village, Southern Baptist International Missions, North American Missions (Home Mission Board), and Samaritan's Purse.

Throughout Frank's life, whether in the business world or his family life, he was known for his kindness, fairness, and gently spirit, and his love of God which showed in his actions, relationships with others. Only eternity will tell the lives he touched and influenced as an ambassador for His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

We are eternally grateful to Southern Care Hospice Nurses Kevin Mann, Rachel Hughes and Josh and Caregiver and Special Friend Dorothy Buchanan.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Lafitte Baptist Church, 3201 Lafitte Road, Saraland, AL, 36571 or Alabama Baptist Children's Homes, 1400 Montlimar Drive, Suite A, Mobile, AL, 36609 or online at alabamachild.org.