SONNY SENSABAUGH JR

Moffette David “Sonny” Sensabaugh Jr. was born on Jan. 30, 1938. He died in his home with his loving wife and her daughters on the evening of Friday, July 5, 2024, at 86 years of age.

He was preceded in death by his father, Moffette David “Pete” Sensabaugh Sr.; his mother, Virginia Elizabeth “Jennie” Agnor; brother-in-law, Jim Sherrill; son-in-law, Robert Turpin; and his dogs, Little Bit and Marco.

Born in Lexington, he demonstrated a strong work ethic even as a young boy. He held a paper route and worked with his cousins on the Carter Farm. As a teen he worked often for his father who owned Pete’s Taxi & Bus Service. His father, Pete, influenced his values and ethics, and Sonny emulated those standards that he so admired throughout his adulthood.

Sonny was a 1956 graduate of Greenbrier Military School (GMS) in Lewisburg, W.Va. For both years at GMS, he made the Owls Club which was the honor military and academic organization. He was editor-in-chief of the GMS newspaper during his senior year. He was also a member of the Quill and Scroll, Greenbrier’s chapter of the International Honor Society for High School Journalists.

Sonny was proud of his military service, calling it an honor and privilege to serve. He jumped out of perfectly good planes, he would say ironically and with pride when he talked of his time as a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne, 325 Division. He served a term as chairman of the Roanoke Valley All Airborne Chapter of the 82nd Airborne Division Association and was proud to be part of the initiative to recognize National Airborne Day in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

As a young man, Sonny was interested in pursuing a law degree and was a student at Washington and Lee University from 1956 to 1958. Thinking it would be a temporary job before returning to college, Sonny began working as a timekeeper in 1961 at Adams Construction Company, one of the oldest asphalt paving firms in Virginia. He worked the gamut of positions from equipment operator to vice president and retired after 52 years. His father, Pete, his daughter, Desi, and her husband, Kirk, worked with him at Adams. He often said he enjoyed what he did, or he wouldn’t have done it for so long.

His work in asphalt paved the way for his marriage to Faye in 1997 after meeting her at a work event. Sonny and Faye were married for 27 years at the time of his death. Pictured are the two of them on the night they met, surprisingly color-coordinated with each other and clearly destined to be together.

Sonny was a longtime member of Mountain City Lodge No. 67, having completed over 50 years of membership in the Masonic Fraternity. He was also a member of the Grand Chapter Royal Arch Masons in Virginia, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry and Moomaw Commandery No. 27 Knights Templar.

His hobbies included target shooting, preferably with grandchildren Gage or David, playing volleyball, roller skating, and driving so fast that no one wanted to passenger with him a second time – although he was an extremely skilled driver. He was an avid reader, and his librarian daughter, Elizabeth, happily kept him supplied with books.

Sonny possessed great humor, wit, and sarcasm. If you knew him, you knew when he was joking or when you were in trouble. He regularly wore cowboy boots, large belt buckles, and either a cowboy hat or baseball cap. He exuded class, charisma and charm.

He had an unyielding sweet tooth and an affinity for any pies or cakes baked by “Jane Jane,” his mother-in-law. He appreciated a good stereo system with ample volume to share tunes by Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Meatloaf, and many others. He once won a dance contest with his daughter, Marisa. He loved music, and the sound system was the only thing to wear out on his cherished Marauder.

He is survived by his wife, Faye Bowles Sensabaugh; daughters, Virginia “Desi” Rumburg (Kirk), Marisa Turpin and Elizabeth Sensabaugh; stepdaughters, Kristy Groff and Kim Greer (Jay); grandchildren, David Turpin, Gage Hubbard, Josh Taylor (Lindsay), Lindsey Hudson, Cassie Wood (Stephen); great-grandchildren, JJ Manning, Dylan Lee and Lottie Wood; sisters, Roberta Sherrill and Sue Quirouette (Ed); brother, Charlie Sensabaugh and wife, Alexis; mother-in-law, Janie Bowles; brother-in-law, Keith Bowles; and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Hank, the most recent dog rescue, who stayed on guard from beneath Sonny’s hospital bed at home.

Carilion Clinic Hospice provided quality and compassionate care during the last weeks of his life. His caregivers, Jordan, Caroline and Jasmine, were not only a comfort to Sonny but also to Faye.

“Hank the Tank,” as Caroline called him, was always happy to see them, knowing he would get lots of belly rubs. A very special thanks to Josh and Lindsay for taking such good care of Hank while Faye stayed with Sonny in hospital and to Charlie, Alexis and Gage for helping to care for Sonny after he came home.

Sonny’s absence is devastating despite his reassurance that he was ready to go. His sound advice, unflagging logic and loving encouragement are just a few of his many memorable graces. We thought him invincible, and still believe that to be true. He was greatly loved and will be forever deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held later. 

If you wish to honor Sonny’s memory, please consider a donation to the Roanoke Valley SPCA or to the Franklin County Humane Society. Condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.Oakeys.com.

Arrangements are by Oakey's Funeral Service - East Chapel, Roanoke, (540) 977-3909.