Mr. Ronald Edward "Sonny" Beasley

He was preceded in death by his parents and two sisters, Gloria Cobbley and Barbara Simon. Ronald (“Sunny” to those who grew up with him) enlisted in the Air Force at the age of 17, December 28, 1950. His duties included: Senior Fire Fighter, Training Instructor, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Specialist; and he served in various areas of Europe, Southeast Asia, and Central America. He received the following medals: Air Force Commendation Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Air Force Good Conduct Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Longevity Service Award, and Small Arms Marksmanship. He was known as the “NCO’s NCO” for his leadership qualities which led to his nomination of Civil Engineer, Airman of the Year. He retired as a MSGT in the United States Air Force July 1, 1971. Sunny had aspirations of his own Refrigeration and Air Conditioning business, and subsequently worked for the Lynn Haven School System and Panama City Water Plant. In July, 1975, he suffered a stroke and even with the loss of speech and use of his right hand, he never regarded this as a disability. He was able to negotiate two home purchases and to assist in the care of his sister and mother in Newton where he remained until his death. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge of Dothan and Newton United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his son, James (Judy) Beasley, of Hawaii; two daughters: Sherry (Andy) Wall, of Guam, and Renee (Tom) Higgenbotham, of Birmingham, AL; grandsons: Ryan (Jillian) Beasley, Christopher (Amanda) Beasley, Aaron (Amy) Beasley, Greg Anderson (Jayleen Robinson), Samual and Wesley Higgenbotham; granddaughters: Jessica Beasley, Amanda Wall, Tara, Sarah, Kristen, Emily, and Bethany Higginbotham; and three great-grandchildren: Nash and Chandler Beasley, and Marley Robinson. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Joy Dearing, as well as many other family members and friends.

Visitation will be Friday, March 12, 2010, from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Newton United Methodist Church. A funeral service will be held Saturday, March 13, 2010, at 10:00 A.M. at Newton United Methodist Church with Reverend Joe Moore Officiating. Burial will follow at Newton City Cemetery with full military honors and Fuqua-Bankston Funeral Home directing. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Newton United Methodist Church, 209 E. King Street, Newton, AL 36352.