Marcus Ontarrio Sykes was born on January 12, 1979 in Columbus, MS to Sylvia Sykes and Terry McCoy.

He was educated in Columbus City Schools and was a member of the Class of 1997.  In February 12, 2009, Marcus married his wife, Neika Donley.

To anyone that knew him, he was Mr. Fix It.  Marcus enjoyed being handy, fixing cars, and being an artist. He was a ladies-man, and he loved his kids and family.  He leaves a legacy of love and devotion, hard work, dedication, and sincere honesty.  Those of us who truly knew him, could appreciate his brutal honesty, but nevertheless we still knew that he loved us.

He demonstrated inner strength, and he was always willing to make the hard decisions. He also formerly served in the National Guard, and was an entrepreneur until he transitioned.

Marcus has 8 siblings:  four brothers,  Marrio Sykes, Rico McCoy, Cleveland Nance, Lavert Shin and 4 sisters: Shanda Bates, Brianna McCoy, Latoria McCoy and Tequila Mitchell.
He leaves to cherish his memories 12 children:  Marcus Sykes Jr, Denzel Sykes, Dezman Sykes, Markelyia Sykes, Sylvontae Skykes, Dakota Sevyn Sykes (Mother - Erica Billups), Xavier Armistad, Damarrio Sykes, LaDarias Williams, Courtavius Williams, Tylon West, Kylon West, and his grandchild:  Mieyoshi Ryder Sykes.

He also leaves to mourn his passing, his aunt Dean Westbrook and Pam Smith, his close cousins Alethia "Tulip" Jones, Mary Taylor, Audrey Jones, Darnell "Beady" Jones,  Darryl Jones, Kenya Jones, Wade Jones, and a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.