Truman "Sonny" Bodiford

Truman E. Sonny Bodiford, 79, of Lorena, passed away Friday, January 4, 2008 at Regent Care Center. Funeral services will be at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 8, at 1:30 p.m. Internment will follow at Chapel Hill Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 6 – 8 p.m. on Monday, January 7, at the funeral home. Sonny was born October 4, 1928 in Hillsboro, to Thomas Edward Bodiford and Hassie Sullins Bodiford. In 1950, he married Virginia Rose Schaeper and they resided most of their lives in Robinson. He worked 37 years as a new truck salesman for Bird-Kultgen Ford in Waco. Sonny was a cowboy at heart and enjoyed anything having to do with horses. You never saw him without his boots and hat on. In his younger years, he was a bull rider and a rodeo clown, later working as a horse show and rodeo announcer. For over 25 years, Sonny organized and was “Trail Boss” for the Cedar Brake Trail Ride, held each year before the HOT Fair and Rodeo. He also served as President of the McLennan County Sheriff Reserve for numerous years. He was a member of St. John’s UCC of Robinson. Sonny was a loving husband, father and “Papaw” and will be greatly missed by his family. Sonny was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Freddie Miller; and grandsons, Michael Hand and Brandon Bodiford. Survivors include his wife of 57 years, Virginia; daughters: Darlene Lewis and husband, Ray of Robinson; and Donna Bradburry of Hewitt; sons: Billy Bodiford and wife, Sharon of Waco, and L.H. Buddy Bodiford and wife, Dee, of Rossville, GA; granddaughters: Mandi Emmons and husband, Cliff, of Robinson; Laci Tindle and husband, Brian, of Chalk Bluff; Stefanie Tower of Lampasas County, Shelby Bodiford and Gracie Bodiford of Rossville, GA; and grandson: Thomas E. Buck Bodiford of Chattanooga, TN; great-grandchildren: Cody and Courtney Tindle, Carson and Cooper Emmons, and Brady Jaden Tower. Pallbearers are Aaron Anderson, Charlie Furrer, Peter Kultgen, Wilburn Lessman, Tommy Ryals and Van Tusa. Special thanks to the staff at Regent Care Center, Bluebonnet Hospice and Dr. James Copeland. Memorial donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or St. John’s UCC of Robinson. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com.