WILLIAM THOMAS "TOMMY" SYX

SYX, WILLIAM THOMAS "TOMMY", died peacefully at the age of 85 on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, surrounded by family. He was born in Royalton, Illinois, and was a long-time resident of Hueytown, Alabama. He was lovingly known as "BawBaw" by family and many close friends. He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church, Hueytown where he was a member of the Adult Fellowship Sunday School Class. His love for his church family was immeasurable and his gift of hospitality was unmatched. His favorite church job was serving coffee at Sunday Morning Fellowship, where he affectionately was called "Mr. Coffee". He was a World War II veteran and served in the United States Army. He fought in the New Guinea and Luzon campaigns, and was issued several commendations including the Phillipine Liberation Ribbon with Bronze Star. He retired from U.S. Steel after many years of service. In the evening, you could find him working with his brother in their business, Syx Brothers Heating and Air. Their "office" was the corner booth at the local Burger King where you could find them discussing the next job that they were going to bid, while writing their figures on a Burger King napkin. He was a member of the Hueytown Masonic Lodge #843, where he was a Master Mason. He recently received his pin for 50 years of service. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Helen P. Syx; loving daughters: Lindell Howard (Joel), Mary Ann Wilkinson, and Patti Wright (Donald); grandchildren, Stephanie Huffman (Alan), Brian Howard, Ashley Howard, Angela Sanders (Jess), and Grayson Thomas Wright; great-grandchildren: Sarah Elisabeth Huffman, Andrew Thomas Huffman, Mason Howard Huffman, Caroline Grace Huffman, Dustin Howard Clark; brother, Vernon Syx; sisters, Elizabeth Carroll and Evelyn Caldwell. He was welcomed home by his parents, E.V. and Laura Dabbs Syx; brothers, Henry T. Syx, Sr., Carl F. Syx, and Floyd E. Syx. Tommy will be remembered for his joyful expression, unconditional love of all people and gracious spirit. He lived a life showing the love of Jesus by humbly serving others and his day was not complete without doing his "good deed of the day". He always looked for the best in others and gave the best that he had. Visitation will be in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church, Hueytown, Friday, January 30, 2009 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The celebration of his life will be at First United Methodist Church, Hueytown, on Saturday, January 31, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. The service will be officiated by Reverend Al Geise, Reverend Jack Hendricks, Reverend Hillard Vance, and Reverend John Simmons. Pallbearers will be Scott Edmonson, Tom Foust, Mike Linholm, Joe Moses, Chuck Vickers, and Woody Woodward. Interment will follow at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery. Given his love for the group SonRise, the family asks that contributions be made to: SonRise, c/o First United Methodist Church, Hueytown, 110 Sunset Drive, Hueytown, AL 35023. (www.hueytownfirst.org) The family would like to thank our special caregivers, Charmane Sims and Erica Tanksley, for their loving care and thoughtfulness. We are also grateful to Evelyn Flowers at New Beacon Hospice for her gentle spirit and divine guidance through the end of his journey.