Hall, Sydnor
Obituary
Sydnor Hall Jr., (Syd) 81, passed away Thursday, January 23rd, 2014 at his home in Dallas, Texas. He was born to the late Kathleen and Sydnor Hall on September 23, 1932 in Memphis, Tennessee. When Syd Jr. was 7 years old he lost his father in an aviation accident involving the personal aircraft his father so loved to fly. Following the death of his father, Syd lived in various parts of Mississippi throughout his childhood and young adult life. On August 28th, 1953 Syd married Sara Jane Craig. The humorous story of the beginning of their courtship is a testament to his larger than life personality and tendency to be quite the character. Syd graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1954 where he was a member of Kappa Alpha Order. Following graduation, Syd was commissioned into the United States Army and proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in 1956. Syd went to work for Crawford and Company as an Insurance Adjuster and retired in 1995 after 37 dedicated years of service. Syd had an abounding love for perfectly polished shoes that was only superceded by the love he had for his family. He was fiercely protective of his family and especially his younger brother, Charles Hall. Syd was a consistently generous and caring family man who was always there for his family, regardless the need. There was that one exception in college when after a fraternity party he dropped off his future wife and future mother of his children at a house that had been designated for girls visiting from out of town. By manner of accident, it turned out he had the wrong address and had not dropped Sara off at the designated girls’ house, but at a private residence belonging to a gentleman. Sara quickly called to let him know what had happened and Syd, still not fully grasping the situation, asked the gentleman if it was ok if she stayed there for the night. It was not until the man accepted the arrangement and commented that he was sure an angel had appeared and dropped off this beautiful guest that Syd truly realized the situation, came to his senses, and resolved it. These episodes of great panache followed by moments of clarity allow for the numerous hilarious stories Syd leaves behind and more than likely secures his nomination for Entertainer of a Lifetime. He was a loyal and committed employee for Crawford and Company for 37 years which included assignments in Mississippi, Louisiana, California and Texas. He was assigned to the Southwest Regional Office in Dallas, Texas the last thirteen years of his employment and retired as Assistant Vice President. Syd received various awards including the Crawford and Company Peak Service Performance Award in 1989. During his employment years he was active in various organizations including the Southeastern Workers Compensation Administration, The Dallas Insurance Club, The Elks Club, The Kiwanis International, and the Southern California Chapter of the National Aeronautic Association. He honorably served as President of the San Antonio Chapter of the Blue Goose International, a fraternal organization of individuals who work in the insurance related industry. During that time he received the “Most Loyal Gander” Award as a tribute to his tireless and selfless work. It has long been theorized that it was his excellent social skills, his unnatural ability to perform with little sleep, and his resolve to be the last person to leave the party that helped him secure this prestigious award. Syd was an avid Sportsman and enjoyed watching football, hunting, fishing, and most of all hanging out at the various leases and camps with his buddies. He was an excellent marksman and always hit his target. Excluded from this claim would be the incident where he forgot to remove the bullets from the gun he was cleaning after returning from a hunting trip. The accidental discharge resulted in a bullet being lodged in the kitchen cabinet just inches away from where the love of his life was dutifully working at the kitchen sink. Luckily, Syd was a fast learner and henceforth he religiously followed the NRA Gun Safety Rules. He was a quick and agile tennis player and he and his former tennis partner, Don Culler, consistently triumphed on the tennis court. They especially delighted in the fact that they weighed 250 pounds between them and were able to bring down their burly, strapping, super jock opponents. Syd loved God and loved his Country. He was exceptionally proud of his military service. As a student of WWII, he admired those of “The Greatest Generation”. He was simply not capable of listening to a military ballad without clapping his hands, stomping his feet, and singing out loud. Those who were fortunate enough to drive with Syd in his prized American made Lincoln would often get the pleasure of hearing him sing his best rendition of every single Frank Sinatra song ever recorded. Syd was also a member of the Joy Sunday School class at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Plano, Texas. Syd is survived by his wife Sara of 60 years; daughter Sylvia Spangler (Joe Fierros) of Dallas, Texas; son Sydnor Hall of San Antonio, Texas; brother Charles Hall of Forest, Mississippi; four grandchildren Justin Spangler, Jennifer Spangler, Gregory Hall, Sara Turnage (Jordan); great grandson Logan Turnage; and several nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, January30th at 1:00 PM in the Sanctuary at St. Andrew United Methodist Church. The Church is located at 5801 W. Plano Parkway, Plano, TX 75093. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a Charity of your choice or one of Syd’s favorites; The Wounded Warrior Project, St. Andrews United Methodist Church, or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements are under the direction of ARIA Cremation Service and Funeral Home 19310 Preston Road Dallas, Texas 75252 214-306-6700
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I am so saddened by Uncle Syd’s passing. Like his father before him, he was dashing and daring and always, to me, larger than life. He and Sara were often surrogate parents to me and Lori, especially in Los Angeles when we were at university. He leaves a beautiful family of children and grandchildren who love him and are hurting now for their loss. I hurt with them.
RIP, Night Rider. I will never forget you and will love you forever.
Sylvia–so sorry to hear about your father. I have such wonderful memories of all of you at Kathleen’ s. Praying for all of you–God’s comfort.
Love,
Karen Mosby
Sylvia–
The loss of a parent is always difficult. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Stormy Aldredge
Syd was a very close friend when we were KA ‘s together in the mid 50’s at the University of Southern Mississippi. We had many good times together. I was in Syd and Sara Jane’s wedding. Our prayers are with his family.
So sorry to hear about Syd. I remember many summer visits to Aunt Kathleen’s home in Forest, Ms. All the cousins including Syd and Charles, would play croquet and many other games. Syd and Charles had the best comic book collection I ever saw. We all loved watching them play in tennis competitions. Great memories of childhood days. May God bring His comfort to the family.
Syd and I were KA’s at Southern. After reading about Syd he and I followed the same path in life. I too served two years in the Army. After leaving the Army I also went to work for Crawford & Company. I was sent to the Columbus, Georgia branch. I know many fellows that worked for Crawford & Company so we have lived a similar life which has been good to us. Sorry to hear about Syds passing. I will always remember our association while at Southern.
Sara,
Please accept my sincerest condolences and deepest sympathy during this time of sorrow. Syd was a true gentleman. I admired his strength.
Sara, Sylvia, “Little” Syd and grandchildren, The world has lost a gem. Small in stature, huge in spirit. I am proud to call Syd a friend. Friends and fellow KA’s at Southern, rekindled our friendship when he, and you, moved to San Antonio, visiting in your homes both there and in Dallas. Such fond memories. My deepest sympathies and condolences. Syd will forever be missed.
Sara Jane, and family, I know your loss is heavy. We were all close in the years at USM. Little I can say will not ease your burden, hover, I know that he is in a bester place, the place we all hope to end up together again. Please do not hesitate to call upon us when you need anything. Dick & Mary Jordan
Wonderful man and a wonderful family!
Sylvia, So sorry for the loss of your Dad….praying for comfort and peace for you and your family…
Dear Sara and Sylvia and Joe and
family. I am so sorry to hear the news. He was truly a gentleman and an example to me. I know we will see him again in heaven. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers…especially Sara.
Liz
Sara and family: I was saddened to hear the news of Syd’s passing. He was such a fun friend and mentor during our days together at Crawford. Sara, you and Syd were so nice to me when I worked in the Dallas office. Those late night dinners and drinks after college classes are cherished memories. My sympathies to you and your entire family.