Mr. Alan Wishard Syms, of Waynesboro, PA, passed away Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Chambersburg Hospital, with family at his side.
Born December 11, 1941, in the family home in Waynesboro, he was the son of Wilbur Wishard and Virginia Wishard. After they left the farm, Alan helped his father Wilbur to build a new family home on Gehr Road.
Music was at the heart of Alan’s life. A gifted musician, songwriter, educator, and performer, his talents carried him from his family’s farm in Waynesboro to classrooms and stages across the country and into the world of professional country music.
Alan began his higher education at Hagerstown Junior College, where he earned his associate degree, and later continued his studies at Shepherd University, where he majored in Music with an English Minor. He ended his higher education at Pennsylvania State University earning his Master’s Degree in Music Composition.. As his musical career developed, he adopted the stage name Alan Syms, a name he eventually made his legal name.
Throughout his career, Alan traveled the country sharing his music and had the distinction of performing for Rosalynn Carter and Betty Ford . He also found success as a songwriter. As a published songwriter his accolades included a song that spent 14 weeks on the Billboard Top 40 Country charts, “(If It Weren’t for Country Music) I’d Go Crazy,” which was recorded by country artist Clinton Gregory in 1991. His songs have also been recorded and performed by Celinda Pink “(Pack Your Lies and Go”) , Johnny Rodriguez, and Don Cox. Alan also performed and toured with Alan Syms & Company, The Vogues, and The Charlie Daniels Band. As well as being lead vocalist, Alan played classical and electric guitar as well as bass guitar, drums, trombone, saxophone andFrench horn.
While Alan’s music reached audiences across the country, teaching allowed him to share that gift in a more personal way. He taught at Walters State Community College in Tennessee, passing along his knowledge and love of music to his students. He shared that same gift with his family, including taking the time to teach his niece, Anna, to play the guitar.
Away from the classroom and stage, Alan enjoyed an active lifestyle. He was a runner and practiced yoga, approaching his health with the same dedication he brought to his music and teaching.
Alan made his home in Tennessee for many years and also lived for a time in New Mexico with his son, Jacob, granddaughter Josephine, and daughter-in-law, Lisa. Following Jacob’s death in 2020, Alan returned to Waynesboro.
During the last six years of his life, as Alan faced the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, he made his home with his sister, Patricia, who served as his dedicated caregiver. During those years, he also developed an especially close relationship with his great-niece, Grace, a bond that became a treasured part of his later life.
Alan brought joy to those around him especially through his jokes. He was very quick with one liners that were sure to light up a room. These jokes will surely be treasured by his family and loved ones. Far Out! Did somebody hear John Denver in here?
Alan is survived by his granddaughter, Josephine Wishard of Gunnison, CO; his sister, Patricia Pentis of Waynesboro; his niece, Anna Swofford of Waynesboro; his great-niece, Grace Swofford of Waynesboro; and his daughter-in-law, Lisa Wishard of Gunnison.
Alan was predeceased by his former wives Judy Wishard and Ann Wishard.
Grove-Bowersox Funeral Home, Waynesboro, is handling the arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.
