LINCOLN - Joseph Sykes, Jr., passed away on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017, at Bayhealth at Milford Memorial Hospital in Milford. He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., the son of the late Joseph, Sr. and Laura (Schaeffer) Sykes. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Allen Sykes. He was a tax accessor for Sussex County for 30 years. After retiring from the county he worked at Best Ace Hardware in Milton, The Food Bank of Delaware in Milford and was currently employed part-time with Ray Cook Electric. He was a farmer and poultry grower for 30 years. He was also owner of the Candy Cane Christmas Tree Farm. He enjoyed making stained glass items and traveling. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Nancy (Smith) Sykes; daughter and son-in-law, Jodi and John Messick, of Lincoln; two grandchildren, Ella Lynne Messick and Corey John Messick; brother, William Sykes and his wife, Dawn, of Georgetown. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Short Funeral Services, 416 Federal St., Milton, where friends may call after 12 noon. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Milford Food Bank, 1040 Mattlind Way, Milford, DE 19963.