William Charles Sykes, known as Atom Ant/Charlie to his friends and family, was born May 27, 1956, in Columbus, MS to the late William and Ozella Sykes.

He attended Robinson Elementary School, Goodyear Middle School and graduated from East High School, class of 1974.

Charles was a life-time resident of Akron, Ohio.  He was baptized on May 5, 2019, and became a member of the New Exodus Church where he enjoyed the services and loved his Pastor.  He was on the Usher Board, Video Ministry and a member of "All the Kings Men" group.

Charles loved sports and was all around athlete. He played table tennis, flag football, and played shortstop, second base, third base and pitcher for the Wildcats and Regulators All Star Baseball Traveling Team.  He was a phenomenal umpire for baseball and referred basketball and football for youth sports. Charles won the Heat of Ohio Senior National 2021 All Tournament Cup for his outstanding accomplishment. He was inducted April 20, 2023, in the Akron East High School Hall of Fame for wrestling honors.  He was the only undefeated wrestler from Akron, Ohio who won the state championship at East High School with a winning record of 28-0.  Charles loved to play cards with his friends and was an avid golfer that spent a great deal of time on the golf course with his friends. He was also an outstanding bowler and displayed that East Side Swag on the roller skates.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his sisters, Delores Harrison-Robinson, Linda Minter and his grandson Deandre Andrus. He is survived by his wife, Waltina(Tina) Sykes; daughters, Darcheka Andrus-Burton, ShaneseSykes; sons, Charles Sykes, Diaire (Latoya) Pride; eightgrandchildren, Davonte Andrus, Thailan Burton, TrestonBurton, Diaire Pride Jr., Devin Pride, Draya Pride, PeightonClipper and Gabrielle Clipper; siblings Flora (Rev. Larry) Scott, Barbara (Eric) Brown; Special Aunt Willie Mae Sykes; best friends Arthur (Junie) Halsell, Anthony (Ice) Campbell, Tony(Haze) Johnson and Eugene Smallwood; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Charles' personality was filled with humor, laughter and jokes. He had an impact on everyone he met, and he will be truly missed.