Dad and me, April 2011On January 7, 2012, my father, Olie Perry Sylvester Jr., passed onto his next adventure after a long battle with diabetes, heart disease and congestive heart failure. Through this time, he lost both legs, his strength and his energy, but never lost his smile, his sense of humor and his deep love and concern for his family.
Through the times when he was most in pain, we could only guess at how he was feeling, as he was more concerned with how everyone else felt. He was a special man—and at one time, was a brother of the briar.
Dad and his brothers were bowlers and known for their good sportsmanship. So much so that the local bowling alley, decades after the Sylvester team stopped bowling, still give a "Sylvester's Award" for good sportsmanship. Talk about a statement!
Pops was forever the optimist, sometimes to a fault, hence the miniscule life insurance policy which won't even cover the burial. I can say that in his own way, he is even now teaching me lessons. This year I'll be arranging my own burial, plot etc. His gentle way, his kindness and genuine concern for others was so deep, that his own concerns were simply not of much interest to him. His giving nature and care for others were so great, I hope to be even a portion of the great man he was.
In lieu of flowers, gifts to my mother, Carol Sylvester are gratefully accepted and appreciated, as his medical bills are staggering. Thank you all for your moral support, care and concern. We are so lucky to have friends and family that are so very tight. The bonds we have are most palpable at times like these. Thank you so much.
If you'd like to write my mom, click here to send her an email —she would love to hear from you.
Thanks to all of you who have expressed your sympathy and condolences. It means so much to us all. In Dad's words, "It'll be alright."
The Sylvester Family
Allen-Summerhill
Funeral Home–De Land
126 E. New York Avenue
De Land, FL 32724
(386) 734-4663
Viewing
Tuesday, January 10, 6-8 p.m.
Funeral
Wednesday, January 11, 10 a.m.