James Sonny Leird

Mr. James Sonny Leird, 80 of Whitefield passed away Wednesday September 2, 2015 at Eastar Hospital in Muskogee. He was born on August 10, 1935 in Stigler to Dewey Leird and Vivian (Linton) Leird. Sonny grew up on Beaver Mountain. He worked in construction building homes, owned an insulation business, operated a service station, and worked at King and Shearwood Funeral Home for nineteen years. In 1957, while working in Peru, Iowa he met Iva, and two months after meeting they were married. Fifty seven years, three daughters, eight grandchildren, and three great grandchildren later, he continued to tell Iva everyday he loved her. He loved his three daughters and all his grandchildren. He was one of a kind who never met a stranger. He loved life and was well known for his love of southern gospel music. He loved Jesus and was a faithful member of Whitefield Baptist Church. He loved camping, fishing, and riding motorcycles with Iva. He often joked with his younger friends that he only ran with them because they were younger and people his age were just too old. He will always be remembered as having a smile, hug, and handshake for everyone he met. He is survived by his wife, Iva Leird of the home; three daughters, Brenda Reading and husband Gary of Lequire, Sharron McGrath of Whitefield, Karran Cowett Leird of Rocky Ridge; seven grandchildren, Tony Roberts, Melody Leird, Dixie Cowett, Shanaeha Cowett, Brian Reading, Holly Webster, Amanda Ford; ten great grandchildren; two sister-in-laws, Jean Leird, Shirley Leird; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Vivian Leird; two sisters, Alyne Maxwell and husband Pete, Laverne Xander; two brothers, Wallace Leird, John D. Leird; one grandson, James Dewey Leird. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 P.M. Sunday, September 6, 2015 at Whitefield Baptist Church with Reverend Doug Miller officiating and Mr. Virgil Cantrell delivering the eulogy. Pallbearers include, Rick Bumpers, Don Mathis, Ron McGuire, Bob Self, Gene Butler, and Kenneth Stiles. Honorary Pallbearers include, Johnny Bray, Cole Bryce, Frank Linton, Jerry Hayes, Don Johnson, Floyd Coffey, Troy Van Tassle, and James Parker. Burial will immediately follow at Whitefield Cemetery under the direction of King and Shearwood Funeral Home of Stigler.

James Sonny Leird

August 10, 1935 - September 2, 2015