Charles Sonner Obituary

Charles Lester Sonner went home to be with the Lord on November 22, 2025.

Charles and his beloved wife, Barbara Gail Sonner, were involved in a four-car collision on October 13, 2025, in Aiken, South Carolina. Both were transported to the trauma unit in Augusta, Georgia, where they spent the following month in and out of the ICU. Charles was later transferred to a post-acute rehabilitation facility in Aiken, South Carolina, where he passed peacefully on November 22, 2025.

Charles, born November 13, 1941 in Strasburg VA, was preceded in death by his wife of 39 years, Barbara Gail Sonner; his parents, Frank Camden Sonner and Edna Christina Stephens Sonner; his brothers, Melvin Sonner and Alvin Sonner; and his sister, Ruth Sonner, all of Strasburg, Virginia.

He is survived by his brother, Calvin Sonner, and his wife Patsy; his daughter, Debbie Long, and her husband Steve; and extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

Charles, known to many as Charlie, was a quiet and private man, yet one of remarkable character and many talents. After graduating from Strasburg High School in Virginia, he went on to complete his degree at Roller Business College in Front Royal, Virginia. He became a private pilot and later found joy riding motorcycles through the Blue Ridge Mountains with his son-in-law.

In his early career, Charlie ran a local hardware store and worked as an accountant before dedicating nearly 30 years of service as a letter carrier with the National Association of Letter Carriers. Along his mail route in Crystal City, Virginia, he met the love of his life, Barbara. Together, they shared 39 blessed years of marriage, faithfully serving the Lord until they entered eternity just four days apart.

Charlie was an incredible father. "He was the best dad a girl and her husband could ever have, and I miss him so much" said his daughter through many tears. He was a loving and supportive husband, and a faithful servant of God. His steady presence, gentle strength, and quiet devotion left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

A joint Celebration of Life for Charles and Barbara Sonner will be held on January 15, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. at Grace Church of Aiken, located at 144 Tabatha Church Road, Aiken, South Carolina 29803.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Grace Church of Aiken or to the ASPCA.