Atlas Philmore “Sonny” Waddle, 69, of Peoria, died Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018 at his home. Sonny was born Jan. 27, 1949 in Blytheville, Ark. to Odis and Jewel (Ross) Waddle. They preceded him in death, along with: two sisters, Marie Maxwell and Liz “Bobby” Mitchell; his niece Ann Pugh; and nephews Dennis Mitchell and Chris Humphrey.
Survivors include: his son, Kyle Atlas Waddle, and grandson, Colton Waddle, of Peoria; his sisters, Donna Humphrey and Linda (Roger) Quin; and seven nieces and nephews. Other loved ones surviving are: Angie Hrdlicka and her children, Josh, Brandon, Teen and Shea.
A U.S. Army veteran, Sonny served in Vietnam, where he was awarded the Bronze Star. He graduated from Peoria Central in 1967, and earned his degree in Architectural Construction from ICC in 1974 following his service to country. For over 40 years, Sonny enjoyed his career as a commercial construction carpenter and was a proud member of Union Local 183.
Anything Sonny did was done with intensity, even if it was simply waiting for his Studebaker Magazine to arrive in the mail or being the first to rent a new movie release. He worked and played with gusto. A perfectionist about his work, Sonny built things the right way. He loved his Chicago Bears, camping, canoeing, fishing and road trip adventures. Whether that was to go see classic cars or modern architecture, or to ride dirt bikes with a caravan of dear friends.
Sonny enjoyed helping family and friends with any need, almost as much as he loved pranking them. He supported youth Razor Back Wrestling for years, with all the enthusiasm he held for the sport he excelled in as a kid. He was generous to numerous charities, especially St. Jude’s.
As Sonny did for so many winters in Negril, Jamaica, may he rest in peace.
Cremation rites have been accorded. His visitation is at the Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria on Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018 from 2 to 4 p.m., with Military Rites at 4 p.m. A celebration of Sonny’s life will take place Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Peoria Elks Lodge #20.
Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
To leave condolences, please visit www.davison-fulton.com
