Ralph Luke “Sonny” Hargett, 61, of Tifton left this life in search of better ponds on August 7, 2017 at Tift Regional Medical Center with his wife by his side. He was born October 27, 1955 in Tifton, Georgia and graduated from Tift County High School in 1973. Sonny fell hook, line, and sinker for his high school sweetheart, Linda Gail Blalock, and they enjoyed 42 years of marriage, in spite of all the fishing. He retired in 2012 after working over 30 years in retail management.
Although fishing held a special place in his heart, Sonny enjoyed anything outdoors, including hunting, taking care of his fruit trees, and even mowing the lawn. He found joy in the simple, yet wonderful, things earthly life has to offer – Shady Lane chilidogs, going to Saturday morning yard sales and Saturday night auctions, grilling out with family and friends, and video chatting with his grandchildren.
Sonny will be remembered as a man of honesty, integrity, and kindness. He lifted spirits with his quick wit and was known for his friendly smile. He always put others first, was no stranger to selfless acts, and became a beacon of light during the fiercest storms. Sonny never failed to lend a helping hand, understood the meaning of true friendship, and was loved by all who knew him. He was good-natured, light-hearted and exhibited unwavering loyalty to those close to him. He possessed wisdom beyond his years and was completely devoted to God and family. In all, this world benefited from his mere presence in it and will suffer in his absence.
Sonny was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Luke Hargett, in 1994. He is survived by his mother, Zelma Hargett, his “best catch,” Gail Hargett, both of Tifton, and his daughters, Karla Hargett of Tifton, and LeAnne Panahi of Stockholm, Sweden. He is also survived by six siblings: Ann Hargett of Tifton, Richard (JereAnna) Hargett of Adel, Rosemary (Rodney) Alexander of Tifton, Nelda Powell of Blue Ridge, Janice (Larry) Dees of Tifton, and Clarice (Tobie) Sumler of Dallas. He will be sorely missed by his three grandchildren Noa, Aiden and Lana Panahi, all of Stockholm, Sweden. His passing will also leave a hole in the lives of the many nieces, nephews, and cousins surviving him.
A memorial service honoring the life of Sonny will be held Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Bowen Donaldson Home for Funerals. The family will receive those wishing to express condolences from 2:00 p.m. until the hour of the service in the Chapel. Friends and family who would like to share a special memory of Sonny will be given the opportunity to do so at the end of the service. A Go Fund Me account entitled “Forever in Paradise” has been created in Sonny’s honor. All donations will be used by the National Wild Turkey Federation to ensure the conservation of Paradise PFA, one of Sonny’s favorite fishing holes. In lieu of flowers, Sonny would ask that you cast a line in his memory this weekend and always vote Republican.