Ernest Lee Cherry Jr

Ernest Lee Cherry lived in Amarillo, Texas and was affectionately known as Sonny by his family and friends. Sonny went to be with the Lord on August 17, 2024. Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 AM Friday August 23, 2024 at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home Chapel, 4180 Canyon Drive with Scott Higginbotham officiating. Burial to follow at Llano Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends and family from 5:00-7:00 PM Thursday August 22, 2024 at Cox-Rowley Funeral Home. Services will be livestreamed and can be viewed by following the link provided. https://www.coxrowleyfuneralhome.com/live-streaming-

Sonny was born in Los Angeles, California to Sylvia Verchell Weddle and Ernest Lee Cherry at Lincoln Hospital. He is a Native American and member of Citizen Potawatomi Nation. Sonny was adopted by J.R. Cherry and Ada Gay Cherry of Amarillo Texas. He graduated from Caprock High School in 1966. Sonny was a decorated war veteran who joined the Army and served honorably on a forward artillery base in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. He later studied at Amarillo College and graduated in 1981. Sonny worked for a time at Pantex. He became a USDA meat inspector and retired 37 years later from Tyson. Sonny liked to give back to his community and continued to work in retirement as a crossing guard for AISD.

Sonny’s passion and mission was telling others about the Good News of the Gospel. For years, his calling was a Truck Stop Ministry where he witnessed to many truck drivers and travelers. He liked to read the Bible and share with others what he learned. Sonny attended Temple Baptist Church. He enjoyed working on cars and showing his cars in car shows. Sonny was filled with joy and shared it with his smile and uplifting spirit. He enjoyed watching westerns, war movies, Texas Longhorns, and the Dallas Cowboys. Some are born with green thumbs and Sonny enjoyed growing many things with his. Sonny spent a lot of time in the summer with his mom, dad, and family on a ranch near Creede, Colorado. Sitting by a lake or even better in a boat with a pole in the water was one of Sonny’s favorite past times. Sonny loved helping others and had a giving spirit.

Sonny was preceded in death by his wife Donna Cherry, mother Ada Gay Cherry, father J.R. Cherry, and sister Chel Barton. He married Donna Cherry on December 19, 1970 at Victory Baptist Church and is survived by his two sons Nathan Cherry and wife Amie Cherry and John Cherry and his wife Diangela Cherry. His grandkids are Colby, Carter, Madeline, and Sophia. He is also survived by a brother Jim Cherry and sisters: Stella Brown and Glenda Allen along with many nieces and nephews.