Henry SAYLER

1921 - 2021

SAYLER, Henry Benton Jr . a conservative, Christian patriot passed away on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at the age of 100, surrounded by family and long term caregivers. He was born Jan. 16, 1921 in Savannah, GA. and was married to the love of his life, Wyline Chapman for over 73 years. He graduated from West Point in January 1943 and was a fighter pilot in the 8th Air Force in Europe during World War II. He ended active duty in the Air Force and moved to St. Petersburg in 1955. Henry was elected to the Florida State Senate and served there from 1966 to 1978 and was Chairman of the Republican Party of Florida from 1980 to 1984. He also served on the Florida Ethics Commission from 1978 to 1980, the Board of Visitors of the U.S. Air Force Academy and the Florida Veterans Commission from 1988 to 1994. Henry had over 8,000 hours as a military and civilian pilot in over 100 different aircraft. He was an avid bicyclist, competitive badminton player and enjoyed tennis, traveling and hunting and fishing with his sons. He was very active at First United Methodist Church having joined when he moved to St. Petersburg in 1955. He was predeceased by his wife, Wyline; and son, Robin, and is survived by his sons, Lee (Kathi), Alan (Lynn) and Van (Jane); 10 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. A celebration of Life for Henry and Wyline Sayler will be held at First United Methodist Church, 212 3rd St. No. on Saturday, June 12 at 2 pm. Guestbook at: brettfuneralhome.net