WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH — Durwood Earl Sykes, 77, of Wrightsville Beach, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025, at New Hanover Orthopedic Hospital in Wilmington.
He was born on September 10, 1947, in Ivanhoe, NC, to the late Herman Leroy Sykes and the late Dorothy Paige Moore Sykes.
Durwood was the former co-owner, with Ed Flynn, of F&S Marine Construction in Wrightsville Beach. He was an avid gardener and was an active member of the Harbor Island Garden Club at Wrightsville Beach. In his younger years he could be found rollerblading all over Wrightsville Beach. He also enjoyed competing in triathlons and travelling the world. Well known in the Wrightsville Beach community, Durwood was a bright light to many and will be missed deeply by all.
Durwood is survived by his brother, William Leroy Sykes; his sisters, Mary Mavrolas, Linda Yunaska (Robert), Dorothy Carol Darrenkamp; his Godson, Leo Poulin; his nephews, Roy Sykes (Donna), Jon Darrenkamp (Loretta), Stephen Darrenkamp (Shelby), Eric Darrenkamp (Kim), Kyle Yunaska (Celia); his nieces, Lamone Patronis (George), Sheree Mabe (Geoff), Sophia Mavrolas (Brent), Vanessa Mavrolas (Nathan), Victoria Poulin (Phillipe), Lara Trump (Eric), Andrea Peterson (Robert); and many more great nieces, great nephews and wonderful cousins.
Special mention to his best buddies who were like brothers to him, Bob Gibbons, Ed Flynn, Dallas Harris, Ken Walker and many more wonderful friends he cherished dearly.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Durwood’s honor to the Boys & Girls Homes of North Carolina or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a veteran’s organization of your choice.
His funeral service will be at 6 pm on Friday, March 28, 2025, at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington with Pastor Doug Lain officiating. Visitation will be from 4 -6 pm at the funeral home prior to the service. A private burial will take place at Ivanhoe Baptist Church Cemetery in Ivanhoe, NC.
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
