Espey "Sonny" Hix Foote Jr.

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On February 1, surrounded by the family he so loved,, God peacefully ushered Hix (Sonny) Foote , 78,from this life into eternal life with the Lord. During his many months of illness, Sonny's positive attitude, sunny smile and unwaivering faith was an inspiration to many people..

Sonny was born in Mercer, TN. on October 21, 1939, the son of the late Hix and Nevada Foote. As a youth he excelled in sports. He was a member of the first Jackson Little League Baseball Team to go to the World Series. At South Side high School he played all sports and earned a basketball scholarship to Memphis State. His straight A academic record, athletic ability coupled with a keen interest in learning to be a a jet pilot helped garner him an appointment to the U. S. Air Force Academy; but learning that sinus problems would prevent him from becoming a pilot, he opted for the basketball scholarship. Regretting his decision after only one semester of college, he left college and joined the U. S. Army saying: If I can't fly jets I want to be an infantry man." In shooting practices he broke several regional and one national army record for marksmanship which caught the attention n of his superior officers. He was soon assigned to the sniper unit. From 1958 to 1960 he helped guard the 39th parallel dividing North and South Korea. His last year in the military he received a rank of buck/drill sergeant and was responsible for training new recruits at Fort Benning, Georgia..

Returning from the military in 1961, he went to South Side to see a basketball game and spied a senior girl at the popcorn machine during halftime. He got his younger brother to introduce him. Her name was Vicky Mayo and after only two dates he told his brother he had found the girl he wanted to marry. Four months later on Easter Sunday he proposed and a year after her graduation they were married and enjoyed 54 years together.Together they travelled to 43 U. S. states and 16 foreign countries, cheered Sonny's favorite teams: The Tennessee Vols, Ole Miss Rebels and Atlanta Braves. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, but most of all he liked simple pleasures: tailgate picnics of hoop cheese, bologna,hot sauce, and a big onion, watching old John Wayne movies, reading military books, listening to music-- jazz, blues, country and hymns. He had a large collection of piano instrumental music. An unusual passion he possessed was his lifelong fascination with and awe of sunsets--stopping whatever he was doing so as not to miss a single one, because he said; "Every day God gives us a different one."

Sonny's professional career was broad and diverse: factory worker, banker, business owner, high school teacher, principal, and footballl coach. Applying for his first coaching position in 1982, the superintendent offered him his choice of: girl's basketball at South Side High or football coach at West High School. He loved the thought of coaching at his alma mater where as the member of SSHS first graduating class, he was credited with suggesting the team colors and mascot--black and white Hawks. Without hesitation he told Superintendent Walker that he wanted the West High position. Explaining: "I don't know what kind of football team I can develop there; but I want to help develop some fine, successful young men. " Before he came to West the team had never won a ballgame. Four years later they were Conference champs and Coach Foote was named the Jackson Sun's "Coach of the Year." . l

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Sonny loved to tell people that he had made a lot of bad decisions in his life, but that the best decision he ever made was in 1972 when he walked the aisle of First Baptist Bemis and surrendered his life to Christ. He became an ordained deacon and taught young couples in Sunday School at First Baptist and later Mercer Baptist for 40 years.

He is survived by Vicky, his wife of 54 years. His daughters, Kippi Jordan and Paige Ferguson and his son-in-law, Buddy Ferguson. His grandchildren, Hunter and Austin Jordan, Jessica Simpson and husband Logan, and Allie Merritt and husband Cody , his great grand children: Marlee Simpson, Kenlie and Luke Merritt. He is also survived by his sister Shila Brown, a brother-in-law Wade Brown, an Uncle, Jack Foote and dozens of neices and nephews. His beloved younger brother, Ben Wayne preceded him in death.

The family would like to express a special to Harvey Fortune, Jana Byler, and the staff of West TN Transitional Care for their support this past week.

Funeral services will be held Sunday, Feb. 4th at 3:00 pm at Mercer Baptist Church with reverends Carl White and Dovey Stafford officiating. Pallbearers are: Joe Ferguson, representing the deacons of Mercer Baptist Church, Mike Raper ,Randy Smith and Greg Upton representing members of the Seeker's Sunday School class, Michael Morris, representing the school personnel with whom he worked, and Terry Love, representing the students and football players he mentored. Burial will follow at Hayes Cemetery in Mercer, TN.

Visitation will be at George A. Smith and Sons Funeral Home South on Saturday, Feb. 3 from, 5-8 pm and from 2-3. pm on Sunday, February 4th at Mercer Baptist Church.

Memorials may be directed to: support.woundedwarriorproject.org/Dona