James Thomas Syler, 84, a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, passed to eternal life with Jesus Christ on Sun., Oct. 5, 2008, at Andalusia Regional Hospital following a brief illness.
Services were held Tues., Oct. 7, 2008, at Foreman Funeral Home in Andalusia with the Rev. Bill Prichett officiating. Organist Vandalyn H. Maddox provided music.
Mr. Syler was born in Fort Payne, Ala., on May 27, 1924, as the only child of the Rev. James Wilson and Anna Vera Salmon Syler, and was reared in New Hope, Ala., near Huntsville. After graduating from Athens State University, he spent his entire adult life as an educator in south Alabama. After completing another degree at Troy State University and teaching 25 years in the public schools of Barbour County, Butler County and the city of Andalusia, he became the first business manager-treasurer of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College in 1969. He retired after serving 18 years in that position. Mr. Syler served as a devoted servant deacon of the Southern Baptist faith for 45 years, most recently at Southside Baptist Church in Andalusia, where he was named Deacon Emeritus n 2004.
Mr. Syler was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 55 years, Minnie Palmer Syler, whom he wed on St. Patrick’s Day in 1946. He is survived by a daughter, Carolyn S. Atkins; and two sons, and daughters-in-law, James P. (Jim) and Brenda Syler and John A. and (Elois P.) Syler, all of Andalusia. Grandchildren are Laurel Heather and Terry L. German; Willam Barrett Griggs; Thomas Christopher Atkins; James Alan and Lesa Syler; John Scott Syler; Robbie and Mindy Barton; Michael and April Barton; and Falla and Robert Bradford, all of Andalusia. Great-grandchildren are Emily Claire; Anna Elizabeth and Barker Reid German; Meredith Grace and Laura Katherine Syler; Garrett, Grant, Ethan and Colby Barton; and Kennedy Faith and Alexander Bradford. Suvivors also included a special cousin, Bennie Ruth (and Bob) Layne of Owens Crossroads, Ala.; and four sisters-in-law, Ludie (and Ralph) Helms of Clayton, Ala., Julie (and Hugh) Rudd of Rome, Ga., Katie (and Jim) Palmer of Montgomery; and Shirley Campbell of Eufaula; and several nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers were Barry Griggs, Chris Atkins, Terry German, Alan Syler, Scott Syler, Robbie Barton, Michael Barton and Randy Helms. Honorary pallbearers were members of Mr. Syler’s Sunday school class of Southside Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Southside Baptist Church, 1213 West Bypass, Andalusia, AL 36420, or to a favorite charity.
An online guest book may be signed at www.foremanfuneralhome.com.