On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, Charles W. "Sonny" Penhale peacefully left this world for his heavenly reunion with his Lord and Savior. We are certain the first words he heard were "Well done, my good and faithful servant".
Sonny was born on March 8, 1931 in the City of Helena. He was the oldest son of William and Mary Hinds Penhale. Bill and Mary's family later grew with the additions of Sonny's brother John and his wife Leota (both deceased), brother Ken and his wife Mary, sister Martha Jordan and her husband Jimmy. His nieces and nephews all had a special bond with him and he adored them equally.
On the occasions of the birth of his children he would always tell his parents "We're going to the hospital to get you a grandson" and he was right. His three sons are Garry, his wife Gail, Donnie and his wife Vicki and Ivy and his wife Victoria. Sonny always adored babies and children and it was a good thing since he has 8 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Grandson Drew Penhale (Madelyn), Grandson Nicholas Penhale (Chrissy) and great grandchildren Lilly and Lucas, Granddaughter Rebecca Penhale and great granddaughter, Caitlin, Grandson Caleb Penhale (Lindsay) and great grandchildren Lilly and David, Granddaughter Ashley (Jonathan), Grandson Matt Penhale (MiMi) and great granddaughters Isla and Cora, Granddaughter Kristen Brantley (Joe) and great grandchildren Harper, Addy, Bradley and Finley, Grandson Kyle Stevens (AJ) and great granddaughters Hannah and Blake.
Sonny's life was richly blessed by sharing it with his wonderful wife, Sarah. For the past 30 years she was his biggest fan and ever present in whatever Sonny's next endeavor held for them. She loved Sonny with the deepest of passions and the adoration she had for him always evident. In their 30 years together, he never missed a day without telling her "I love you, Sarah". Her family was as equally important to Sonny as his own. He adored her precious mother and Mrs. Godwin spoiled him more than her own children. His brother-in-law, Terry Godwin and wife Debbie were very special to him along with their daughters Leah and Monica and grandson Matthew. He was equally respected by his sister-in-law Diane Barker and her son and daughter-in-law Justin and Lori Barker and their children.
After graduating high school, Sonny was drafted into the Army in February 1951 during the Korean conflict. He served his time at Fort Mead, Maryland and Camp Picket, Virginia. He received an honorable discharge from the Army Reserves in February of 1957.
To list all of Sonny's civil and professional achievements would never be possible. As Sarah says, he was always a "mover and a shaker". He entered politics early, first winning a seat on the city council in 1960 at the age of 29. He ran unsuccessfully for mayor in 1964. However, his 1968 bid for the office was successful as he followed in the footsteps of this grandfather, Charles Iverson Hinds. C.I. Hinds was the cities’ first Mayor after the re-incorporation of the city as a municipality in 1917. Sonny's goals as mayor were simple, but needed: install a sewage system, build a new city park and municipal building and improve the ratings of the fire and police departments. During his 44 year tenure as Mayor he accomplished these goals and many, many more. The children and schools of Helena have always held a special place in Sonny's heart. He worked tirelessly to obtain state funding and grants for school expansions. His proudest accomplishments were the building of three new schools in Helena. The building of Helena High School was one of his last, but most important goals and it was with great pride that he saw the beginning of its construction and completion. As a modest man, Sonny always shied away from taking credit for all the city had accomplished, preferring instead to heap praises on the city's dedicated employees and volunteers. Even in retirement he always inquired about the wellbeing of the city employees.
In addition to being mayor, Sonny also worked for over four decades at American Cast Iron Pipe Company. He started his career as a special welder and worked his way up to the Foreman of Unit 23. He led the Unit with pride and integrity. His unit had great respect for him and he developed lifelong friendships and memories.
Sonny's hobbies....Yes! Believe it or not he had time for hobbies. He loved camping with his family. His children all have wonderful memories of time spent in the mountains. He had the greenest thumb of all green thumbs. He planted most of the flowers at city hall and Joe Tucker and Penhale Parks. His lap was usually full of one of his many beloved pups. His girl, Kandy already misses his warm lap and his gentle pets.
He was an incredibly kind, inspiring, and loving man that will be missed by so many. To know him is to love him!
Visitation will be held on January 23, 2021 at 10:00am at Helena United Methodist Church, 2035 Hwy 58, Helena, Al, with services to follow at 11:00am. Committal Service with Military Honors will be held immediately after the service at Helena City Cemetery. Face masks and social distancing will be observed. The services will also be live streamed through the churches website and Facebook page.
Sonny was a life long member of the Helena Untied Methodist Church and his faith was extremely important to him. The family request no flowers, but donations be made to the Helena United Methodist Church in his memory.
The family would like to especially thank the staff of Affinity Hopice Care and the Helena Fire Department for their support and care over the past few months.
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