Sydney “Syd” Hall, 94, lifelong Driftwood rancher, passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Lord on Wednesday, September 22, 2010. He was born April 15, 1916, the youngest child of Laurel Fenton and Katie Dorroh Hall. He spent his younger years playing baseball and helping out on the “home place.” In 1943, he enlisted in the military and served with Patton’s 42nd Rainbow Division in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of the Ardennes during WWII. Upon leaving the military, he returned to his beloved Driftwood, his ranching and his young family. He worked on the CC Ranch for 42 years, serving as foreman for 37 years. Upon retiring in1991, he retuned to his “home place”, the place of his birth, where he spent his remaining years doing what he knew best—ranching.
Any given morning, you would find Syd at one of the many “watering holes” in Dripping Springs having coffee with the “men” and catching up on the latest news. Every Friday he was at a football or basketball game, despite not having any family members playing; he was always sitting in the same spot. He was very much a part of the activities that encompassed the ever-growing city that was once his small town. He saw much change in his 94 years. He never met a stranger that he did not welcome into his home, and he left a lasting impact on many.
He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Louise Wood Hall; son, Sydney and wife Ellen; son Cliff and wife Betty; granddaughters, J. Nicole Crisp and Shana Hall-Duraso; great-grandchildren, Bailey and Cody Crisp and Taryne Duraso; sister Mattie Hall Bryant; and numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.
Services were held Wednesday, September 29 in the Driftwood Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the church, charity or organization of your choice in memory of Syd “Bampy” Hall. He will be missed.
