Melton Lee "Sonny" Renfro

Services for M. L. “Sonny” Renfro, 82, of Lufkin, will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, October 23, 2015 in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Bro. Nathan Pannell and Bro. Kevin Poage officiating. Interment will follow in the Whitehouse Cemetery.

Sonny was born January 24, 1933 in Lufkin, Texas, the 2nd eldest son of Bob and Ella Renfro. He went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 21, 2015.

Sonny was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Sonny and his wife Billie were the owners and operators of Renfro Packing Co., where they worked side by side for 56 years to develop a successful business that has been recognized throughout East Texas for their Renfro’s Smoked Sausage.

Sonny loved the outdoors. Raising and processing cattle was something he not only made a career of but was also his main hobby. Sonny was a hard worker and succeeded in every task he tackled. He believed that the only time a man took his hat and boots off was when he was through working, at church, or getting ready for bed. He was a man of his word and expected the same from others. Sonny was a member of Still Waters Cowboy Church.

Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Theresa and Steven Dew of Lufkin; sons, Larry W. Renfro and Robert D. Renfro, both of Lufkin; sisters, (Sally) Jane Havard and Juanita Smith, both of Lufkin; sisters-in-law, Josephine Renfro, Glenda Oliver and Syble Renfro; brother-in-law, Robert Stelly; grandchildren, Shannon Hardesty and husband Manuel, Larimy Renfro and Cody Dew and wife Angela; great-grandchildren, Dustin Hardesty, Cheyenne Hardesty, Hunter Dew, Chloe Marie Dew, Madeline Charlotte-Reigh Dew, and Brayden Lee Renfro; and a number of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his wife, Billie (Franklin) Renfro on September 26, 2013; brothers, Robert Renfro, Louis Renfro and Archie Renfro; sister, Katherine Stelly; and brothers-in-law, Hershell Havard and George Smith.

Pallbearers will be Joe Russell Renfro, J. C. Renfro, Larimy Renfro, Steve Dew, Richard Havard and Cody Dew.

Honorary pallbearers will be Hunter Dew, Brayden Renfro, Richey Loving, Dustin Hardesty and Manuel Hardesty.

Memorial contributions in Sonny’s memory may be made to Still Waters Cowboy Church, 573 FM 1475, Huntington, TX 75949.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday evening at the funeral home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com

Services have been placed in the trust of Gipson Funeral Home.