Clyde Brown Sisson

Clyde Brown Sisson, 96, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2014, surrounded by family at his homeplace in Shawsville, VA. Clyde was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Hester Wickham Sisson, and his brothers, Boyd Dudley Sisson and William Shelburne Sisson.

Surviving are his sister, Lorene Sowder Pearman, and his three devoted children: Clyde Daniel Sisson and wife Julia; Charlotte Ann Sink and husband Doug; and Ralph Douglas Sisson and wife Angela, all residing in Shawsville, VA. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Kim Wells (Charlie), Bill Sisson (Catherine), and Tim Sisson (Stacy); Sara Addington (Tom) and Paul Sink (Tolley); and Jed (Brandi) and Andy Sisson. Surviving also are eleven great-grandchildren: Julia, Mary Beth, and Scott Wells; Brown and Daniel Sisson; Ann Rae and Spencer Sisson; Catherine Hester and Skylar Addington; Isabella and Henry Sink; and Will Winfield and another great-grandchild on the way.

The family is indebted to relatives and friends who have given loving care and support during Clyde’s later years, and especially those who have served as caregivers: Stephanie and Kathy Sisson, Priscilla and Mike Patrick, Tom Dunkenberger, Wanda and Dean Gilbert, Vickie Corder, and David Ryan, who provided companionship on a weekly basis. The family also wishes to express gratitude to Carilion Hospice for their professional and compassionate care.

Clyde was a World War II veteran, serving in the 33rd Infantry in The Philippines and Japan.
Before and after the War, he was employed at various companies in the construction industry. In the early 1950s, he formed a business partnership with Norvel “White” Ryan. The company, Sisson and Ryan, Inc., has successfully operated for more than 60 years. Started as a coal mining operation, the company grew and expanded into a highway landscaping business, a road grading contractor, and a rock quarry facility. Sisson and Ryan also operates several farms in the Montgomery County region. His hobbies were numerous, including antique powered steam equipment and antique automobiles.

He was recognized for 70 years of faithful service as a Commonwealth of Virginia Freemason. He was an active and involved community supporter, privately contributing to numerous charities through his life. Although he will be greatly missed, his legacy of honesty, integrity, hard work, strength and philanthropy will be carried on for generations.

Visitation is from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, January 2, 2015, at Horne Funeral Home in Christiansburg. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, January 3, 2015, at Crockett Springs United Methodist Church in Shawsville. Interment will follow at Piedmont Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shawsville Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 14, Shawsville, VA 24162 or Carilion Hospice Services New River Valley, 707 Randolph Street, Suite 251, Radford, VA 24141.