WILLIAM HALE SAWYERS

January 9, 1926 - January 31, 2012

WILLIAM H. SAWYERS MT. SIDNEY, VA William Hale "Pappy" Sawyers, 86, widower of Pauline (Widner) Sawyers, of 42 Herron Street, died Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at his residence. He was born January 9, 1926, in Grayson County, a son of the late William Hastin and Maude M. (Bolt) Sawyers. Mr. Sawyers was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served during World War II. Prior to retirement, he was employed as an owner/operator truck driver for Smith Transfer and also worked for Houff Transfer. Following retirement, he was employed as a bus driver for the Augusta County Public Schools. To his students he was fondly known as "Pops". In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by five brothers and a sister. Family members include a son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Ann Sawyers of Mt. Sidney; three grandchildren, Lori Ellinger of Mt. Sidney, Angela and husband, Todd Cleveland of Verona, and Kassidy and wife, Emilee Sawyers of Waynesboro; seven great grandchildren, Kristie, J.P., Christopher, Dillon, Mollie, Avery, and Finley; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. A funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, February 3, 2012, at Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church by Rev. Dr. Howard Newman and Rev. Dr. Paul O'Gorek. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens. Military rites will be conducted by Staunton VFW Post 2216. Active pallbearers will be Christopher Cleveland, Todd Cleveland, Dillon Sheffer, Mollie Sheffer, Kristie Guyer, Mike Widner, Jimmy Widner, and Jimmy Testerman. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, February 2, 2012, in the Henry Funeral Home. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Wilma Coffey for her care and dedication. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Central and Western Virginia Chapter, 1160 Pepsi Place, Suite 306, Charlottesville, VA 22901.