Birth date: Sep 4, 1948 Death date: Jan 8, 2021
Roy Harold (Sonny) Hildebrand Jr., age 72, of Fayetteville passed away Friday January 8, 2021. He was born September 4, 1948 in Kennett, Missouri to Roy and Lola Wilburn Hildebrand. He was a member of Sequoyah United Methodist Chu Read Obituary
Sonny and I were mass media classmates (Radio-Television) at ASU. I remember him with fondness. God’s blessings for all.
Bruce Higgins
Tulsa
Dear Shirley and family,
We just learned of Sonny’s passing. We are so sorry to hear this sad news. We were friends on Facebook and knew he faced many challenges with his health, but always seemed to handle it with courage, grace and good humor. We haven’t seen each other in 43 years since being stationed together in Livorno, Italy at Camp Darby. We remember such good times together at the club where we all gathered. It was like family to all of us since we were so far from home. Our heartfelt condolences to you Shirley, and to your family. May God give you comfort and sustain you with wonderful memories and love that never ends. We know you will be together again.
With Love,
Carol and Harry Faircloth
My sincere condolences to Sonny’s family. It was my privilege to get to know Sonny through Arkansas Winds Community Band. As our announcer he gave an air of professionalism to our concerts, and his program notes enlightened and educated the audience and band members alike. Concerts were never the same after Sonny retired due to his health issues. My thoughts are with you in this time.
Nancy Sloan
Dear Shirley, Garrick, Stacey, and all the family---We just heard in the St. Paul's service this morning of the passing of Sonny earlier this month. Just wanted you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers now and that you will continue to be. We remember with pleasure our years together at Sequoyah, and then, later, the many good visits with Garrick while he was at St. Paul's and also at the University. Our love, Kay and John DuVal P.S. I never forgot that old ASU Journalism Department connection, although I preceded Sonny there by several years! kd
When I look at Sonny's picture; In my head, I immediately hear..... "Girls......." Sonny could always read right through Stacey and I as we returned home late and we knew no answers or explanations would be needed or heard. Straight to bed we would head and the next morning he would say that he was glad we were home safe and hoped we had a good time. Wonderful memories filled with happiness and love surround me today as we celebrate his life. Prayers and Support to his family today and in the days to come.
Sonny was a wonderful friend and a huge supporter of the arts in Fayetteville. He was the official announcer for the Fayetteville High School Band for over 25 years and was also the emcee for the Arkansas Winds Community Band. I will miss his humor and wisdom along with the great times we had at the old Fuzzy's Restaurant. My thoughts and prayers are with Shirley, Stacey, Garrick, and the entire family.
Sonny was definitely one of a kind. He was the sweetest and gracious person I’ve ever had the pleasure to call my friend. He never seemed to have a negative thing to say whenever we spoke. I always felt better after we did so.
Sonny provided a classy style to our Winds’ concerts. He was always prepared to do his best, no matter if we were inside or outside; rain, snow or heat. It brought a challenge to him and he would successfully tackle it every time.
It will be difficult to replace that special touch he added to all of the performances in NWA. He will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and hearing his deep, resounding (yet, soft) voice.
Norma Horner
Arkansas Winds’ member since 2002
My condolences to you and your family. Sonny always gave such a meaningful introduction to the music the Arkansas Winds played and he will be greatly missed.
My love and condolences to Sonny's family. I knew Sonny from when our kids were in band together and the many years that he was a part of our community band ( The Arkansas Winds) as our announcer. I always loved his positive attitude no matter what difficulties he faced health wise. And always enjoyed his FB posts that would always make me laugh. God Bless your family. Linda cullers
