Cover photo for Herbert "Sonny" Ray Vannoy's Obituary
Herbert "Sonny" Ray Vannoy Profile Photo

Herbert "Sonny" Ray Vannoy

February 25, 1939 — January 28, 2025

Glendale Springs

Herbert "Sonny" Ray Vannoy

Herbert Ray Vannoy better known as Sonny, age 85, of Jefferson, the Glendale Springs Community, passed away on Sunday, January 26, 2025. Sonny was born on Saturday, February 25, 1939, in Ashe County, North Carolina, to the late Fred Ray Vannoy and Maude Nannie Cole Vannoy. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Rita Vannoy Taylor, and his brother-in-law, Milt Goetz. 

Sonny proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in June 1960 and serving until November 1962. Following his service, he embarked on a long and successful career as a truck driver, working for Modern, Shamrock, and Roadway until his retirement. After retiring, Sonny continued serving his community as a school bus driver for Mountain View Elementary School in Ashe County. 

Sonny had a zest for life and a wide range of hobbies. He enjoyed shooting skeet, bowling, hunting, and playing rook. A lifelong NASCAR fan, he also had a passion for classic pinball machines and was a dedicated collector of John Deere memorabilia. Above all, Sonny was a people person—he loved spending time with others, and his warm personality ensured that he never met a stranger. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years and 10 months, Joyce Dancy Vannoy; his sisters, Jo Anne North Goetz and Peggy Hawkins (Paul), both of Winston-Salem; his brother-in-law, Dennis Taylor, of Winston-Salem; his niece, Heather Busher (Sean), and great-niece, Mirabelle Busher, both of Burnsville; and his half-brothers, Rick Vannoy of Jefferson and Freddie Vannoy of Hendersonville. 

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 2:00 pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel. Burial will follow in Ashelawn Memorial Gardens with military rites. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm, Thursday, January 30, 2025 at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel.

The family respectfully requests no flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to Obids Baptist Church or a charity of the donor’s choice. 

Sonny’s legacy of kindness, humor, and love for others will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Herbert "Sonny" Ray Vannoy, please visit our flower store.

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, January 30, 2025

6:00 - 8:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Burial

Friday, January 31, 2025

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

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Funeral Service

Friday, January 31, 2025

Starts at 2:00 pm (Eastern time)

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