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William A. Sylvia (Bill)
04/05/2021
William A. Sylvia (Bill), age 89 passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends on April 5th, 2021. Born on September 25th,1931 in DeLand Florida. Bill was one of nine children born to Anthony B and Margaret L Sylvia.
Bill served 20 years in the United States Air Force before retiring in 1970 as a Senior Master Sargent. He worked at Sherwood Medical until his retirement in 1995 after his retirement, the Lord asked him to start a soup kitchen at St. Barnabas, he ran the soup kitchen for at least a decade before moving on to a new ministry of making crosses. He spent hours making crosses.
Praying over each and every one in the process, his workshop was always opened to all those that wanted to help or just fellowship. He made thousands and thousands of crosses to give away. He often said he “wanted a cross in every home”. Bill enjoyed family, friends, fishing, yard work, and working with his hands. His greatest joy was helping and doing for others.
Bill is predeceased, by his parents Anthony and Margaret Sylvia. Brothers Harry, Tony, Louis, Tom, Sisters Margaret, Alice, Catherine, Ann, and Son Thomas. Survived by his loving wife of 68 years Eva Mae and children Bill (wife Bonnie) Teri (wife of Thomas), Tricia Shortlidge (husband Pete), Mary Waters (husband Gordon), and Ray. 17 Grandchildren Michael, Paul (wife Heather), Stephen, Sarah Bowers (husband Dustin), James, Hannah Ferguson (husband Trace) Tassie Shortlidge Kimsey, Chelsie Harting (husband Blake), Natalie Shortlidge,
Craig Waters (wife Ashley), Kevin Waters (wife Nicole), and Kyle Waters, 8 Great Grandchildren: Isabel, Isaac and Harrison Sylvia, Dyllon and Trevin Kimsey, Hayden, Harper, and Rylee Waters.
In lieu of flowers, donations to First United Methodist Church of Deland are appreciated.
A reception will be in the family center immediately after service.
Service
First United Methodist at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday 04/17/2021