William Michaux Sydnor, Sr., 83, died at his home in West Augusta on (August 5, 2009) Big Bill or Papa, as his grandchildren knew him, was surrounded by love all through his life and in death.

Born on March 12, 1926 in Lynchburg, VA, Bill was the youngest of twelve children born to Clement A. and Rochette Raine Sydnor. He was raised in a Christian family and became a member of the Presbyterian Church. A prankster at times, Bill enjoyed a good laugh, sometimes at his own expense. He passed his fun-loving spirit to his children and grandchildren. Stories of his exploits and shenanigans abound all through his life and have filled his home with love, laughter and tears.

Growing up in Lynchburg, Bill graduated from public school, then from Lynchburg College with additional studies at the College of William and Mary and the University of Virginia. He served in the Merchant Marines and later became a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Philadelphia, PA.

Love for his family and the mountains brought Bill back to Virginia in the mid 1950s. He became a salesman for LeHigh Portland Cement Co., but found a true professional calling in education. He taught school and later moved into academic administration. He became the principal at Buffalo Gap High School and later Director of Special Education Services. He retired from Augusta County School System in 1986.

Bill was a member of Buffalo Gap Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the Churchville Lions club for many years and a supporter of the Ruitans, the Churchville and Deerfield Volunteer Fire and Rescue Departments and other local clubs and organizations.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 47 years, Jean Watts Sydnor. He is survived by his second wife of 11 years, Jean Davis Sydnor of West Augusta. Siblings surviving him are a brother A. Kendall Sydnor and a sister Rochet S. Blair, both of Lynchburg, VA.

Also surviving him are his daughter and son-in-law, Suzanne S. Bradley and James L. Bradley of Williamsburg, VA, and son and daughter-in-law, William M. Sydnor, Jr. and Debra D. Sydnor of Radford, VA. Grandchildren are Trip, Graham and Erin Bradley of Williamsburg, Courtney and husband, Drew Enzor, of Newport News; and Nikki and Maryah Sydnor, of Radford. Also, one great grandson, Robbie Enzor. Step-children are Edward Davis, Dan Davis, Kathy D. Pohlig, Sally Davis, Scott Davis, Laura DeLoach and ten step-grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the many medical, hospice and service personnel who helped Bill through his medical ups and downs. With such a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, we cant begin to name all who have touched Bills life in special ways, but would like each to know that their love and kindness has been and is appreciated. Many thanks to Richard Landis, Bills nephew, for his shoulder and help during Bills illness.

.The family will visit with friends and family on Saturday (August 8, 2009) from 2:30 4 p.m. the Coffman Funeral Home and Crematory, 230 Frontier Drive, in Staunton. Bills family will hold a private service near his home later that day. Another family gathering is to be planned in Lynchburg.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Deerfield Valley Volunteer Fire and Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 19, Deerfield, VA 24432 or to the Presbyterian Childrens Home ,P.O. Box 545, Wytheville, VA 24382 or to the Augusta Health Hospice of the Shenandoah, 64 Sports Medicine Drive, Fishersville, VA 22939 or your favorite charity would be appreciated.