Sonny Lee Daniels, known to many as Sonny D, embarked on his final adventure on August 2, 2025. Born on January 6, 1974, in the heart of Middlesboro, Kentucky, Sonny’s journey through life was one filled with love and a touch of mischief. His journey came to a peaceful end in at the prime age of 51 in Dothan, Alabama.
Sonny’s early years were shaped by the loving care of Roy and Judy Wilson, who played a significant role in his upbringing. Their influence was evident in the man he became—someone who could light up a room with his presence. Friends would often hear the rallying cry of “Sonny Yee Haw Daniels” or “The Party Train” as he entered the room, his presence alone enough to kickstart any gathering.
The man who could light up a room with his humor and charm, Sonny was a legendary figure in his own right. He was the life of every party, the spark in the darkness, and the one who could tell a joke that would have you laughing for days. His love for fishing and deer hunting was only surpassed by his love for his family and friends. Sonny was the kind of guy who would rather spend a day on the lake or in the woods than anywhere else, except maybe Cowboys on a Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday night when he was younger, line dancing like nobody’s business.
Sonny was a man of simple pleasures; he loved to eat, though he never quite mastered the art of cooking or found his way around the kitchen, but that never stopped him from enjoying a good meal. He was always packin’—packin’ a smile, packin’ a joke, and yes, packin’.
He was a man of many loves, but none greater than his family. Sonny was preceded in death by his mother, Ruth Alsept, and his nephew, Keajuan Bass. His legacy lives on through his children, Holden Daniels, Shelby Phillips (Blake), Kenneth Daniels (Hannah), and Caden Brewer; his sisters, Tina Daniels, Rena Daniels, and Selena Daniels; his brother, Brian Daniels, and his grandchildren, Dawson Daniels, Ella Daniels, and Jackson Daniels. His life was also enriched by special friends, including Judy Gillis, and the countless nieces, nephews, and other family members who will carry his memory forward.
As we gather to share stories and memories, a visitation will be held on Saturday, August 9, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Ward Wilson Funeral Home. It will be a time to honor a man who taught us all how to find the humor in life, to pursue our passions with fervor, and to treasure the company of those we hold dear.
