Mr. David Mitchell Sykes, age 80, of Mount Airy, passed away at his home on December 22, 2025. Mr. Sykes was born March 8, 1945, in Surry County to the late Charles Aaron Sykes, Sr. and Mary Elsie Mosley Sykes.

Mr. Sykes was a humble and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend whose life was defined by hard work, service, generosity, and love for others. He spent much of his life as a respected dairy farmer and co-owner of Sykes Brothers Dairy, where farming was not just a livelihood, but a way of life—one he carried out with pride, resilience, and humility.

After retiring from farming, he partnered with his son-in-law in owning and operating Dry Pond Convenience Store in Stuart, Virginia. He especially enjoyed visiting with customers and neighbors and never met a stranger, making a friend of everyone he met.

A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he served during the Vietnam War as an aircraft mechanic. He was also an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and spending time in the woods or on the water. Known for his sense of humor and gift for storytelling, he always delighted friends and family with his funny stories.

Above all, he cherished his family and found his greatest joy in time spent together. He was known for his kind heart and generosity, the type of person who would give you his last dollar without hesitation. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie Sykes Slate and Joey; son and daughter-in-law, Josh Sykes and Charla Schlueter; two grandchildren, Barrett Slate and fiancé Morgan Monroe, Natalie Slate and husband Eduardo Soto Gomez; two sisters and brother-in-law, Tina Sykes Mooney and Harold, Pamela Jean Sykes; and a brother and sister-in-law, Rayburn Sykes and Geraldine; along with several nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to his parents, Mr. Sykes was preceded in the death by his wife, Susan Leigh Badgett Sykes; sister, Mary Lou Sykes Johnson; and two brothers, Charles Aaron Sykes, Jr., and Ira William “Bill” Sykes. 

A memorial gathering will be held on Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM. Military Rites will be conducted by VFW Memorial Honor Guard Post 2019 Mount Airy and Post 9436 Pilot Mountain. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy has been entrusted with the arrangements.