We have suffered a great loss in many areas with the loss of Linwood “Junny” Sykes. Junny as known by all was a great man, person, father, husband and friend. I will miss my many visits with him and Bea in Williamsburg at our favorite restaurant Maurizio’s. Junny’s dry humor and quick wit never missed a moment to make all around him laugh. Not just laugh but until we cried laughing. His wisdom in many situations was always greatly received and appreciated. Seeing the love that him and Bea shared was an inspiration to others, they respected each other, loved deeply, and enjoyed all their time together. We all will miss his beautiful smile and his friendship. God Bless you Junny.
Cindee Maynard
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
I have known Bea and Junny Sykes for over 30 years. Bea and Junny were at the interview I had with Stewart back in 2003 when I was hired as underwriting counsel. From that point on I worked daily with both. I always joked with Junny that he was always “Driving Miss Bea” as they would travel to visit agents and Junny would be auditing policy jackets. Junny Sykes was one of the most laid-back individuals I have ever known. He had a dry wit about him and could tell some hilarious jokes and never crack a smile. He was a man of honesty, integrity, and moral character. His dedication to Bea and to his family was incredible. He was their rock. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Kenneth L. Dickinson
Stewart Title Guaranty Company
Bea and Junny were inseparable, and a great team – anyone in the industry who knew them will say that. Junny drove Bea from agent to agent, but he was also her tech guy, her adviser, and her protector. He gave solid advice, ran interference, and was a man of many talents. He will be dearly missed by many but his presence and contributions will always be treasured.
Colleen Taylor
Old Republic Title
Junny was a fixture at VLTA and in the industry. He had a warm, gracious spirit, a smile on his face (at least for the 30 years I knew him) and humor in his heart. His gentle presence will be missed.
Kay M. Creasman
VP & Virginia State Counsel
Old Republic Title
I was so saddened to recently hear of the passing of Linwood “Junny” Sykes, Jr., he was such a wonderful person and always by Bea’s side whenever you saw them. I was lucky enough to work with both Bea and Junny for more years than I care to admit. My heart truly broke for Bea at the funeral service. She told me she was absolutely distraught and couldn’t imagine life moving forward without him by her side. I told her that he would always be by her side and to know that he was and would always be with her in her heart and in spirit.
I absolutely loved working with Bea and Junny. I truly looked forward to every holiday wondering and waiting to see what fun outfit or cute little gift they would bring in celebration of the holidays. All holidays were celebrated, but my most memorable moment with the two of them was my very first Halloween after joining my first title agency. They came in dressed as Darth Vader and a Storm Trooper, full head masks and all! They held out a Halloween jack-o-lantern filled with candy for me to take a piece and wouldn’t say a word or reveal their true identities. They were such a hoot and took off their masks just before leaving the office. We all had a great laugh. I knew from that day forward, they were special people in our industry and to be revered as such. Junny will be greatly missed by our industry. Deepest Condolences to Bea and her family. May they hold precious memories close to their hearts while they navigate such a devastating loss.
Stephanie Campbell
VLTA Past President 2021-2022
