Harold “Sonny” Franklin Towery of Morganton, NC celebrated his 89th birthday on April 4, 2026 by entering the gates of Heaven.
Born in Cleveland County, NC on April 4, 1937, he was the son of the late Bryce Towery and Flossie Hull Towery.
Sonny was an active member of El Bethel Baptist Church where he served on several committees throughout the years. He served as the athletic director for the City of Morganton and retired as warehouse manager from Broughton Hospital. Sonny spent many years coaching Little League and took numerous teams to tournament playoffs. He was also instrumental in bringing tee ball to Morganton. He was a past president of the Optimist Club and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Morganton Jaycees in 1971.
Sonny traveled throughout the United States and spent years boating and skiing on Lake James. He was a collector of classic Ford vehicles and enjoyed driving his tractor. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed rabbit hunting with friends and family well into his 80s. Sonny never met a stranger, and he loved coordinating family reunions for his extensive extended family.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Karen Hilton Towery; son, Jeff Towery (Donna); grandchildren, Adam Towery (Emily) and Emily Hendrix (Levi); great-grandchildren, Parker Towery, Savannah Towery, and Eli Hendrix; brother, Tommy Towery (Glenda); and nieces, nephews, and cousins.
In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by a son, Todd Towery; and sisters, Gayle Bolick and Virginia Hudson.
The family will receive friends from 12 to 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2026 at El Bethel Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. in the church with Rev. Justin Cunningham, Rev. Cory Galli, and Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to El Bethel Baptist Church, PO Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Sonny was a wonderful man and great coach, I played baseball for Sonny in 1966 for the Lions club. Wonderful memories, prayers to all the family
I am so sorry to hear of his passing and will remember each of you. What a wonderful birthday celebration for him. Love and prayers for your family.
I'm so sorry to hear about Sonny whom I've known & loved for years. My dad knew Sonny, my mom & Sonny had the same birthday & were the same age. Mom passed on 4-2-26 so she & dad were waiting to wish him a big Happy Birthday! I always enjoyed talking to him at work. He fought hard & always with a Smile. He will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with your family. ❤️🕊🙏
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Sonny. He was such a good man of God. The Lingerfelt family will not be the same without his presence. He kept us together and visited the ones that were sick. Karen and family are in our hearts during this difficult time. Love you all ❤️❤️
Karen, Jeff and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Sonny will always hold a special, cherished place in our hearts. You and all of the family will be in our thoughts and prayers. We love you all!!!! With sincere sympathy ♥️♥️♥️🙏🙏🙏
Karen and family, I was so shocked to hear about Sonny's passing. I had just asked Mary D how he was doing and then I heard he passed. I know he rest in the hands of God and is no longer in pain. Prayers n Love to all. Roger
Jeff I remember when you worked with the registration clerks at Grace hospital I remember you talking about your dad and how proud of him you were sorry for your loss my prayers go out to you and your family during this difficult time take care
Karen and family, My heart is broken over the loss of "my Papaw". Sonny did and always will hold a special place in my heart. Know that my love and prayers are with all of you. 💙🙏🏻 Lisa Kincaid