A family man, a veteran, a farmer, and a clever Rook player … this is how the family of Roy Clayton Syler would like him remembered. The Moore County native, age 93, died on September 17, 2020, after a short illness, according to family members.

Born on his family farm in the Hurdlow on June 23, 1927, he graduated from Moore County High School in 1947. While enrolled there, he played football under the famous Coach Shirley Majors. At the age of 17, Clayton enlisted in the United States Navy during WWII. After the war ended 18 months later, he returned to Lynchburg and finished high school.

He worked several years in construction, but always wanted to farm. In 1960, Clayton and his wife, Maggie, purchased the family farm and his childhood home in the Hurdlow community. That working farm exists today as the Syler 7 Farm — a Tennessee Century Farm.

Clayton was also a 50 year member of the Lynchburg Masonic Lodge 509 in and a long time member and deacon at Arbor Primitive Baptist Church. In recent years, he and his wife attended Marble Plains Baptist Church.

Clayton loved farming, family, and friends. Even at age 93, Clayton enjoyed getting up to feed calves, or getting on the tractor to work in the hay. If he could find three willing players, a good game of Rook was in order.

Clayton is survived by his wife of 68 years, Maggie Syler as well as his five children, Kerry Syler (Marie) of Lynchburg, Rodney Syler (Lisa) of Franklin, Rickey Syler (Sally) of Lynchburg, Craig Syler (Amy) of Winchester, and Tanya Vann (Matt) of Lynchburg. He is also survived by sister, Faye Moran of Brentwood. In addition, he was blessed with eleven grandchildren: Leanne Davis, Kurt Syler, Matthew Syler, Janna Abele, Britney Anderson, Benjamin Syler, Anna Bracewell, Eason Syler, Christen Herman, Heather Fanning, and Shaynee Syler; and 16 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Annie Syler, as well as his sister Louise Tabor and his brothers, Jake Syler and Leon Syler.

The family will host visitation on Sunday, September 20 from 12-2 p.m. at Jennings-Moore-Cortner Funeral Home in Lynchburg. Funeral Services will follow at 2 p.m. and internment will be at Lynchburg Cemetery with Kurt Syler, Matthew Syler, Benjamin Syler, Eason Syler, Dillon Davis, Clayton Davis, Sean Herman, and Clint Fanning serving as pallbearers. Jennings-Moore-Cortner Funeral Home is located around 181 Majors Boulevard, Lynchburg, TN 37352. For more information, you may reach them at (931)-759-4552. •

{Editor’s Note: The Lynchburg Times publishes obituaries of Moore County residents and individuals whose immediate family live in Moore County at no cost to the family. We consider it a public service important for future genealogical research. Submit your information to [email protected].}