Mr. Tremelle Sykes' Obituary
TREMELLE LAFRANCE SYKES was born on August 29, 1966, to Billy LaFrance and Ollie Vivian Sykes of Meridian, MS. He was an only child and was preceded in death by both parents. Raised in a Christian home, the family became affiliated with Mt. Olive Baptist Church and New Hope Baptist Church in Meridian; as well as Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Shucktown, MS.
Tremelle was educated in the Meridian Public School system and graduated from Meridian High School in 1984. Following in his parents footsteps, he was an alumni of Jackson State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Industrial Management and Technology in 1989.
During his early years, Tremelle loved playing baseball and spending time with his cousins and friends. His personality was unique and often included a touch mischievousness - a trait inherited from his mother. He was a real people person - one might say he was a "social butterfly" - if that is a good term to use for a young man (but there are male butterflies). His social network was far reaching and building relationships was important to him. He always had the best jokes and stories to tell. Intellectually, he was able to interact with people at all level. Every gathering was enhanced by his presence.
After leaving Meridian, Tremelle moved to the Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas area. During his time there, he became the father of Nicholas. Later, he met and married Aquanetta Lashun. His professional career included thirty years of service with the Federal Railroad Administration as a Hazardous Materials Safety Inspector. Shortly after ending his career with the railroad, he returned to Meridian and at the time of his death, was managing Spring Street Cigars. He enjoyed his time there and during off-hours, he spent a great deal of time at the cigar bar.
Tremelle was passionate about his many hobbies which included: maintaining large aquatic fish aquariums, and building an elaborate toy railroad system that contained major cities and landscaping which filled an entire room - you would have to see it to believe it. Another room was filled with a toy race car track.
His technology skills enabled him to set-up an impressive electronic system for TV/music/gaming and videos.
Finally, he was a connoisseur of fine coffees - not your average "Mr. Coffee" drip coffeemaker but a professional grinding and brewing system connected to the main water line.
He is survived by a son, Nicholas; grandson, Elijah (Dallas, TX); Aquanetta Lashun; god-son, Gary Thomas II (Bailey, MS); half brother and sister, Stephen and Arlene Edwards (Meridian, MS); and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Tremelle?
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Share a story where Tremelle's kindness touched your heart.
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