OSWEGO, NY – Clarence Lee “Sonny” Jones passed away due to natural causes on Wednesday July 10, 2013, at the age of 81.
He was born in Oswego and had resided in Augusta, Ga., for the last 30 years.
He was born on April 19, 1932, and grew up in an old farmhouse on Hall Road in Scriba, NY.
His father, Clarence, worked in a slaughterhouse and Sonny worked there as a young man.
His mother, Eldora, was a loving and caring housewife.
He had two brothers, Wesley (predeceased) and Frank; and two sisters, Rita (predeceased) and Bessie.
He left school at age 17 and joined the US Army during the Korean War.
Following an honorable discharge from the military, he became a laborer for union local #214.
He obtained his dynamite blasting license and some of his favorite stories involved putting “too much” charge (dynamite) in the rock he was removing.
Back in that construction era, OSHA wasn’t too concerned over such details.
He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing every moment he could.
He also enjoyed raising animals and always had dogs, cats, birds, chickens, and goats to tend to.
His biggest demon was conquered 33 years ago and he took pride in helping others through Alcoholics Anonymous.
Through the years he counseled and aided hundreds of afflicted others and took great pride in this accomplishment.
He will always be remembered with the toothpick in his mouth and his two fingers in the air signifying two scoops of sugar for his coffee.
He was a loving father and grandfather and will be missed by his son, Wesley; and his daughters, Brenda, Jodie, and Traci. He had 10 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, and was especially close to Rachael, Mark “Bud” and Jennifer.
He is in heaven now singing his favorite song, “Rye Whiskey,” toothpick in hand and love in his heart.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at the Dain-Cullinan Funeral Home.
Burial will be in Peck’s Cemetery.
Calling hours will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, at the funeral home, 112 E. Second St.
Contributions in lieu of flowers can be made to the Korean War Veterans Memorial at www.koreanwarvetsmemorial.org
missing or outdated ad config
