Robert Franklin Sydnor Sr., affectionately known as "Syd," passed away peacefully on December 20, 2024, at the age of 91 in Locust Hill, Virginia. Born on February 12, 1933, in Heathsville, Virginia, he lived a life filled with love, dedication, and service. He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Saluda Sydnor of Heathsville, VA., and his grandson, Joel Carrillo of Riverside, CA.

Syd grew up on a farm in Heathsville, VA, where he cherished working alongside his family and his grandfather, Sheldon Sydnor, a boat captain. He graduated from Heathsville High School in 1949, where he excelled in basketball and baseball while still helping on the family farm.

On April 2, 1951, Syd enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving as Boatswain's Mate 3rd Class aboard the USS Mellette (APA 156). During his distinguished four-year service, he fought in the Korean War and earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged on April 1, 1955, leaving behind a legacy of courage and dedication.

Syd married Juanita Mary Lee on June 25, 1955, and together they had four wonderful children. Later in life, he met Janet Marie Carter in 1987, and the two married on July 24, 1988, in Richmond, VA. Syd lovingly embraced Janet's two children as his own. Together, Syd and Janet shared 36 wonderful years of marriage.

Syd is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Marie Sydnor (Carter); his children: Sandra (Steve) Houseman of Chesapeake, VA., Robert Franklin (Janet) Sydnor Jr. of York, PA., Janice (Tom) Waltz of Yorktown, VA., Patricia (Henry) Carrillo of Riverside, CA., Charles Balfour Howard III of Dutton, VA., and Stacy (Craig) Engelson of Navarre, FL.

He was also a proud grandfather to: Justin (Tabatha) Shank of Chesapeake, VA., Mandi Houseman of Chesapeake, VA., Randi (Tyler) Whitfield of Chesapeake, VA., Shelby (Brice) Humphries of Chesapeake, VA., Bobby F. Sydnor III and Kyle Sydnor of York, PA., Anthony (Sofia) Waltz and Travis Waltz of Yorktown, VA., Jeremiah Carrillo of Riverside, CA., Christian Howard of Williamsburg, VA., and Julian Howard of Dutton, VA., Breianna Engelson of Orlando, FL., and Nicole Engelson of Navarre, FL., and 14 great-grandchildren.

As Jerry Reed once said, "You got to do what you do and let the chips fall where they may". Syd lived his life with the same spirit-unwavering, strong and true to his family, his values and his service to others.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Syd's honor to the Alzheimer's Association or the Wounded Warrior Project:

• Alzheimer's Donation Page • Wounded Warrior Project

https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/Robert--Syd--Sydnor-s-Memorial-Page

https://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=930860&fr_id=1060&pg=fund