Lieutenant Colonel (Retired), United States Army

Carroll “CP” “Pete” Sykes

September 25, 1941 – January 19, 2026

Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Carroll Sykes, affectionately known as CP and Pete, was born on September 25, 1941, in Margarettsville, North Carolina, to the late Bennie Lawrence Sykes, Sr. and Annie Drew Sykes. He was the youngest of four children and was preceded in death by his brother Bennie Lawrence Sykes, Jr., brother John L. Sykes, sister Elizabeth Sykes Bracy, and his devoted aunt Mason Drew, a true woman of faith and a child of God in every way.

Carroll accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior in 1954. He was baptized and committed to membership at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Margarettsville, North Carolina—he loved his hometown church and consistently supported it through the years. He also was devoted member of Largo Community Church in Mitchellville, Maryland, known as “where Christ is honored and people are loved.” There, he served faithfully as a member of the Board of Directors and the Usher Ministry. Carroll loved serving as an usher and was always ready to serve whenever called upon.

He received his early education in the Northampton County Public School System and graduated from Gumberry High School in 1959. Carroll went on to attend North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1963. While a freshman at A&T, he witnessed a pivotal moment in American history—the peaceful 1960 Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-ins, which helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement.

Following graduation, Carroll was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant of Infantry through the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), marking the beginning of a distinguished military career. He served honorably for 25 years on active duty in the United States Army, holding numerous leadership and staff positions, including Platoon Leader, Company Commander, Battalion Staff Officer, Battalion Executive Officer, Brigade Staff Officer, Corps Training Officer, and United States Army Advisor. His service included tours in Korea and two tours in Vietnam.

For his exemplary service, Lieutenant Colonel Sykes received numerous military decorations and honors, including the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three Oak Leaf Clusters, Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), and the Parachutist Badge.

After retiring from active duty at Fort Meade, Maryland, Carroll continued serving his country as a federal employee for an additional 27 years. He was a passionate advocate for higher education and took pride in mentoring young men through Project Manhood. Carroll remained actively involved in the North Carolina A&T Alumni Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity,

Incorporated, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), National Association for Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Habitat for Humanity, and numerous civic, social, and nonprofit organizations. An avid sports enthusiast, Carroll was a die-hard Washington Commanders fan. He lived by the belief he often shared: “Life is for the living—so live life to the fullest.”

Carroll leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 58 years, Frances J. Sykes; his cherished and loved goddaughter, Maya Johnson; nieces Karen Dunn (Tony), Kim Sykes of Brooklyn, New York, Dawn Sykes, Deborah Sykes, and Devona Sykes of Richmond, Virginia. He is also survived by nephews Keith Sykes (Deidre) of Columbia, Maryland, Dr. Elie Bracy, III (Kim) of Portsmouth, Virginia, Dr. Eric Bracy (Janelle) of Garner, North Carolina, and; great nieces Jaidyn Sykes of Durham, Cameron Bracy, Courtney Bracy, and Camille Bracy of Garner, North Carolina, Ryan Daniels and Ryleigh Daniels of Newport News, Virginia; great-nephews JhorDan Sykes of Columbia, Maryland, Jahir Hill of Glendale, Arizona, Elie Bracy, IV and Evan Bracy of Portsmouth, Virginia, and Jared Sykes of Richmond, Virginia; Brother-in-law Robert Trotter Roxboro, North Carolina, Sisters -in-laws Beatrice Flythe (Stewart) Seaboard, N.C, Maxine Jordan Winston Salem, North Carolina, Sheila Pope (Gregory) Southfield, Michigan; and special friends Daniel Hicklin and Sullivan Brown. He also leaves a host of cousins, extended family and friends, who will forever hold him in their hearts to cherish his memories.

Lieutenant Colonel Carroll Sykes lived a life of faith, service, leadership, and love.

His legacy of integrity, mentorship, and devotion to God, family, and country will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

— 2 Timothy 4:7

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