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Dr. Charles Sydnor Jr.
1943 - 2025
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Charles Sydnor Obituary
He was born August 26, 1943, in Jefferson City, TN, but with his family, subsequently moved to Sandston, VA. After graduating from Emory & Henry College in 1965, Dr. Sydnor was awarded a fellowship at Vanderbilt University, where he received both a master's degree and a doctorate in modern German Holocaust history, winning honors for his dissertation.
The current president of Emory & Henry, Dr. Lou Fincher, praised Sydnor for his ability, both through his words and his actions, to identify the essential character of the institution and fortify its relevance to generations of young people searching for purpose. "Rarely does a college president define with such eloquence, passion and decision the potential of the institution and the people who embrace it," she said.
Dr. Sydnor is survived by his wife Joanne Allison Sydnor; sister Nancy Sydnor-Greenberg; children Matthew David Henry Sydnor, Daniel Charles Wright Sydnor, Emily Ruth Marie Spivak and husband, Adam, and Nathaniel Joseph Anson Sydnor and their mother, Linda Ruth Edwards; Kristie Allison Jennings and Karla Jo Allison; grandchildren Anson Silver Hite Sydnor, Jewel Evalea Mattax Sydnor, Ruby Helyn Spivak, Cora Marie Spivak, Lillie Mae Spivak, Olivia Marie Jennings, Abigail Kathleen Jennings and Vincent Joseph Fugo III. Additional survivors include Judy Sydnor, Barbara Young, several nieces and nephews and a wide circle of friends.
Services will be held on Sunday, December 14, at 2:00 p.m. in the Memorial Chapel of Emory & Henry followed by a reception in the Fellowship Hall. A private interment will be held in the Holston Conference Cemetery at Emory.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the Charles W. Sydnor, Jr. Endowed Scholarship at Emory & Henry, Office of Philanthropy & Engagement, PO Box 950, Emory, VA 24327 or online at emoryhenry.edu/giving/give-online.
Condolences may be expressed at the Farris Funeral Home website.
Memorial Events
for Charles Sydnor
Funeral services provided by:
Farris Funeral Service, Inc. – Main Street Chapel427 E Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210-3407
Memories and Condolences
for Charles Sydnor
Sponsored by Farris Funeral Service, Inc. – Main Street Chapel.
6 Entries
Cathy McCanless
Yesterday
I am saddened to hear of your father´s passing. I have so many fond memories of our Longwood and Campus School days. You all are in my prayers.
Judy Dyer Harris
Yesterday
Fond memories of our growing up in Sandston days.
Mary Hunter Gallalee
December 4, 2025
I remember Dr Sydnor from my years at Longwood. He was a fascinating teacher to listen to interview as an assignment for another class .
Later in life as director of the local PBS, he took the time to answer my 6 year old´s letter when she wrote to find out why the cartoon version Book of Virtues (at my suggestion) and assured her he would look into it. He was a major influence on my love of history.
Angie Frank
December 4, 2025
Rest in peace neighbor of the past.
Condolences to the family
How you can show support
Angie Frank
December 4, 2025
Rest in peace neighbor.
Condolences to the family
Angie
Sally Pope Wolfe
December 4, 2025
I am so sorry to hear this news. I worked with Charley at the Richmond PBS and NPR station for several years. He was a delight - quick witted, curious, engaged and engaging. He gave some of the best advice ever, when asked about the program at a special event: end early and leave them wanting more. Wise words.
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