2005 Effingham County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Sonny was born December 28, 1932 in Stilson, Georgia. His family moved back to Effingham County shortly there after. He graduated from Effingham Academy in 1950 where he played baseball, basketball, and ran track. The 1949 baseball team won first place in District and went on to become Class “C” Champions in the state of Georgia by defeating Fort Gaines 24-4. In this game, Sonny went two for five, with one of these hits being a homer with two on base. He also played American Legion Baseball for two years. He played in the Effingham County League with Turkey Branch where he played the position of catcher. He also played church league softball for Bethel Lutheran for a number of years, playing at third base.
Sonny attended Draughon’s Business College in Savannah. He retired from Kaiser Agricultural Chemicals in 1986 after thirty years of service. He also retired from Effingham County Road Department.
Sonny married the former Beverly Bragg of Springfield. The couple just recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on September 12, 2004. Beverly is currently employed as a registered nurse at Springfield Medical Associates. They are active members of Bethel Lutheran church where they have held various positions. They have two children, Mark and Marianne. Mark is married to the former Nell Zittrouer from Springfield. Marianne is married to Emmett Martin of Rincon.
Sonny is blessed with four grandchildren. Cobie Crapps, a senior at ECHS, plays Fast Pitch softball and is interested in furthering her education with something in the medical field. Casie Crapps is a sophomore at ECHS and plays Fast Pitch softball and soccer. Spencer Martin is a senior at ECHS and is planning to pursue a degree in education and enjoys music. Harleigh Martin is an 8th grader at Ebenezer Middle School. She enjoys dancing and cheerleading.