Earl Franklin “Sonny” Sasser
August 31, 1937 – January 14, 2017
Funeral services for Earl Franklin “Sonny” Sasser, 79, of Cairo, GA, are at 11:00 a.m., Monday, January 16, 2017, at Eastside Baptist Church, Cairo, GA. Rev. Franklin Sasser, Frank Pritchett and Lindsey Gay will officiate. Services will conclude at the church. Private interment will be in the Sasser Cemetery, Whigham, GA.
Active pallbearers will be Tracey Walden, Michael Looney, Will Looney, Tyler Sasser, Wade Howell and Bill Harrell, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Walden, Bobby Jack English and the Men from the Round Table at the Pickle Patch Deli.
Earl Franklin Sasser was called home January 14, 2017. Earl was born on August 31, 1937 and grew up in the Providence Community. He served two years in the United States Navy and was stationed in Maryland. He spent most of his life in Grady County. He was very proud of his lifelong friendships and kin. He was a much loved member of the community, who was always willing and happy to help others. Earl often could be found at local restaurants enjoying time with friends over a good meal. He married Elaine Wilson on July 7, 1961 and has enjoyed 55 years of marriage. The couple raised two daughters. He worked for 35 years at the International Paper Mill in Cedar Springs, GA, where he served as the Union President. He is remembered for improving the working conditions for the employees. After retiring, he and his wife enjoyed traveling to Australia, Alaska, Hawaii, Europe, and across the continental United States. He liked to expand his mind by engaging in intellectual conversations, including history, and current events. In his final days, he reflected, “I have lived a very wonderful life.”
Survivors include: wife, Elaine Wilson Sasser of Cairo, GA; daughters, Kim Sasser Looney (Dean) of Dacula, GA, Shanna Sasser Rivera (Gilbert “Buddy”) of Durango, CO; grandchildren, William Earl Looney of Lawrenceville, GA, Michael Dean Looney, Jr. of Flowery Branch, GA, Emilio Sasser Rivera of Durango, CO, Elena Sasser Rivera of Durango, CO; and a host of extended family members. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin G. Sasser and Alma Walden Sasser.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Sasser’s memory to: the Sasser Cemetery Fund, Attention: Margie Daughtry, P. O. Box 150, Cairo, GA 39828.
The family will receive friends at Eastside Baptist Church on Monday, January 16, 2017, immediately following the funeral service.
