William E. Siniard Sr.

William E. Siniard, Sr. October 26, 1931 - January 16, 2009 SALEM, AL— William E. "Bill" Siniard, Sr. passed away after a brief but courageous battle with a brain tumor January 16, 2009 at the age of 77 in his home, surrounded by his family. He was a longtime resident of Salem, AL. Funeral services will be held 2:00 PM EST Monday at Vance Memorial Chapel in Phenix City with Rev. Bud Passmore officiating. A private internment will be held at Ft. Mitchell National Cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening from 5 - 8 PM EST at the funeral home. Mr. Siniard was born October 26th, 1931 in Cartersville, GA. After High School, he proudly served in the US Air Force from 1951-1955, serving most of his tours in England. He graduated from Auburn University in 1960 with a B.A and again from Auburn in 1963 with his Masters in Education. He worked as an educator, principal and superintendent, touching the lives of many students, teachers and families. Some of his fondest memories were as Principal of Ladonia Elementary for over 17 years and serving as Principal of the Central Annex with the Phenix City Schools for several years. He culminated his career by serving as Superintendent of Russell County Schools for over ten years. During his tenure he worked tirelessly to ensure that the Russell County Consolidated High School went from being a dream to a reality. In his retirement, he remained an avid Auburn fan and enjoyed tending to the farm on which he lived. He relished being an indulgent grandfather and great-grandfather. Mr. Siniard was preceded in death by his father, John W. Siniard, and his mother, Effie Siniard. He is survived by his wife of thirty-two years, Sheryl ÒSherryÓ Siniard; his children, Linda S. Finley of Jemison, AL, Rebecca S. ÒBeckyÓ Brady and her husband, Steve of Salem, AL, William ÒBillÓ Siniard, Jr. of Salem, AL and Kara S. Witsiepe and her husband, Louis of Mobile, AL; step-children, Mark Cannon of Salem, AL and Ashley Cannon Deringer and her husband, Bill, of Gainesville, GA. He was the proud grandfather of six grandchildren, Amy Lawson (Salem), Leann Williams (Phenix City), William (Wes) Earl Siniard III (Orange Beach), Chelsea Brady (Salem), Whitney Siniard (Auburn) and Cannon Deringer (Gainesville, GA). He was the great grandfather of four, Cole and Abbey Lawson (Salem), Chandler Smith and Leyton Williams (Phenix City). He was anxiously awaiting the birth of his next grandchild in May. He is also survived by his sisters, Mary Evelyn Hale of Dothan, AL and Marjorie Ellen Bush of Denver, NC.