Edward Neil (Sonny) Ellington

Sonny was born on March 27, 1934 in Bells, TN, to the late Oscar Ellington and Louise Lovelace Ellington Crowe. He had a admirable career with the United States Air Force and retired in 1973 with over 20 years of service to his country. Following a short stint at Proctor and Gamble, Sonny found his second career with the United States Postal Service where he retired again after 17 years of service.

Sonny had a big love for music. He sang in quartets and had a western swing band while he was in the service. He also wrote a song, Smokin’ Cigarettes and Drinkin’ Coffee Blues, which was recorded by Marty Robbins.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Ruth Jines Ellington; his son, Mark Ellington; his sister, Delores Ellington; his stepfather, L.H. Crowe; and his half brothers, Ricky Crowe and Lesley Crowe.

He is survived by his wife, Dianne Stanford Ellington; sons, Tim Ellington (Amy) and Ronnie Ellington (Bobbie); daughter in law, Elizabeth Ellington; step sons, Bobby Henson and Brad Henson (Sue); eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the South Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with Bro. Maurice Hays officiating. Entombment will follow in the mausoleum at Ridgecrest Cemetery.

The family requests that memorials in Sonny’s memory be directed to Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, 25 Pleasant Hill Rd., Jackson, TN 38301 or the American Heart Association.