William Walter McElroy Jr., Sonny, 88, passed away in his home in Fort Davis, Texas, on February 25, 2020. Sonny was born in Pecos, Texas, on December 15, 1931 to William Walter and Mary Daniel McElroy.
Sonny along with his brother, Earl, and sister, Sis grew up on the McElroy Ranch on the north end of Jeff Davis County. When it was time to go to school, he moved to town with his grandparents in Toyah, Texas. He loved sitting with his Grandpa Daniel and listening to the radio every evening, From this he acquired a vast knowledge of geography and news around the world.
Sonny graduated Valedictorian from Toyah High School. He attended Sul Ross State University where he studied Animal Science and served on the Livestock Judging team. His judging team won first at the Fort Worth Stock Show and second at the Oklahoma City Stock Show. After Sonny's dad was injured, he had to leave Sul Ross To manage the family Ranch and take care of his Mom and younger siblings.
Sonny's ranch neighbor, Doris Morris, told him he needed to find himself a wife because she wanted a neighbor lady and was tired of cooking for him. He said you find her and I will marry her. She did! And he did! Penny Fort was the new District Home Service Director for Southern Union Gas Company in Pecos, Texas, and soon became Mrs. Sonny McElroy. They were married 57 years. They had three childen, Tres, Misty and Christy.
Sonny was a member of the Fort Davis United Methodist Church. He served as a Trustee in the Balmorhea Methodist Church and on committees in Fort Davis.
Sonny served on the Toyah Limpia Soil and Water Conservation Board for 36 years. He was a County committee member for the FSA. He was Vice President and Ground's Committee member of the Jones, Espy, Finley Camp at Bloys Camp Meeting. Sonny was a Jeff Davis County Commissioner for eight years. He was one of the original board members of the Jeff Davis County Underground Water Board District. In 1973, he won the Excellence in Grazing Management Award. Sonny was commissioned a "True Texas" by Governor Clements in 1983.
Sonny loved to ell stories about his life growing up on the ranch with his little pet bear. He loved sharing stories on the lives of his grandkids. Ten and three o'clock were special times of the day when Sonny and his coffee buddies exchanged information on a daily basis.
Sonny was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Earl McElroy, and his son, Tres McElroy.
Sonny is survived by his wife, Penny, daughter-in-law, Jody McElroy, daughter, Misty (husband, Lynn Williams), daughter, Christy (husband, Joe Barksdale), five grandchildren and one great granddaughter, and also a special friend whom he loved like a daughter, Adrian Walker.
A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Cemetery, Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in Fort Davis.
Memorial Donations can be made to the Tres McElroy Memorial Scholarship or Jones, Espy, Finley Camp at Bloys Campmeeting.
Alpine Memorial Funeral Home has been entrusted with his services.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Starts at 1:00 pm (Central time)
Alpine Memorial Funeral Home
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