Sylvester Gayten, Sr. was born on October 23, 1959, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Hilton and Annie Gayten Sr., and he departed this life on August 1, 2025.  He joined Progressive Missionary Baptist Church at an early age.  Sylvester James Gayten Sr. was a man of many talents, known for his deep love of family, dedication to service, and remarkable ability to do just about anything he set his mind to. He attended school in the Gulfport City School District, and after that, he proudly served as a police officer for many years, but his talents stretched far beyond the badge.

Sylvester was the definition of a hands-on man. He held certifications in plumbing, electrical work, and automotive mechanics. He was a certified mechanic who worked on U.S. Postal Service mail trucks and kept countless engines running like new. He also ran his own lawn service business, showing his entrepreneurial spirit and relentless drive. Whether it was fixing something, building something, or starting something—he could do it all, and he did it with pride.

Outside of his career, Sylvester was known for his love of fishing-often finding peace on the water, rod in hand, sharing stories or simply soaking in the stillness of nature.  He was also a true car enthusiast with a deep appreciation for classic cars, fast engines, and the kind of craftsmanship that turns heads and sparks conversation, as shown by his 20-plus year membership with The Cruising the Coast Car Show.

Above all, Sylvester was a family man, and he now joins in eternal rest his mother and father, Hilton and Annie Gayten Sr., his brother, Charles Gayten, and his sister, Rosemary Wells. He was deeply loved and will be forever missed by his loving wife Sherri Jordan Gayten, his children, Amanda Lock of Gulfport, MS, Brittany (Jeremiah) Gayten-Breland of New Orleans, and Sylvester Gayten Jr. of New Orleans,  his blended children, Taylar (Scottavius) Lofton Sr. of Gulfport, MS, Alexis Rodgers of Jackson, MS, and Alyshia Rodgers of Gulfport, MS, his sister, Hilda Gayten - Daugherty of Gulfport, MS and his brother, Hilton (Chaundra) Gayten Jr. of Jackson, MS.  He also leaves to cherish his memory nine Grandchildren, a special niece and nephew, Yolanda Gayten and Carlos Gayten, as well as a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.