Grover Paris Sykes, Jr

ATLANTA - Grover Paris Sykes, Jr. (“Geepy”), 72, of Atlanta, Georgia died October 14, 2010 at St. Joseph’s hospital following a brief illness.

Geepy, son of Grover and Georgia Sykes, was born September 9, 1938 in Franklin, North Carolina. He graduated from Rome High School in 1956. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Forestry at the University of Georgia in 1960, and pursued graduate studies at Yale University, graduating in 1963.

He earned his Juris Doctor (JD) at Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, graduating in 1970.

He practiced labor law for 40 years in Atlanta, starting his career with Fisher and Phillips, and then with Ford & Harrison. For the past 18 years, he has been a partner at Kilpatrick Stockton LLP as a member of its Labor and Employment group. He represented a variety of clients, achieving extraordinary results in a wide range of labor matters, including employment litigation and class actions, labor relations and union avoidance, wage and hour issues and OSHA litigation. Among his many professional achievements, his work included arguing before the United States Supreme Court in 1986.

Geepy was a beloved husband, father and grandfather, devoted to his career, his wife and family. He is survived by his wife of 18 years, Beverly Bryson Sykes; daughter Gina Elowe and her husband Wayne Elowe of Sandy Springs; daughter Beth Taylor and her husband James Taylor of Johns Creek; step-daughter Sheri Dockery and her husband Jeff Dockery of Wilkesboro, N.C.; five grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.

Geepy enjoyed spending time in the North Georgia mountains, the Georgia Bulldogs, and boating in his 1964 Chris Craft. He liked reading, collecting old movies, and watching his grandchildren play sports.

Funeral services will be held Sunday October 17, at 3 p.m. at Bryant-Grant Funeral Home, 105 W. Main Street, Franklin, North Carolina with Rev. Jim Dusek officiating. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. Visiting hours will begin at 2 p.m. There will be a memorial service in Atlanta at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in his honor to the charity of your choice.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences are available by visiting bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.