Marquis Ray (“Sonny”) Eades of Hutchinson Island, Florida, passed away peacefully while in the care of VNA Hospice House (Vero Beach) on February 17, 2023.  Mr. Eades was the son of the late William Flaherty Eades and Anna Katherine Evans of Russell, Kentucky, where Mr. Eades lived most of his life before moving to his retirement home on the Florida coast.  Watching the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean was one of his favorite pastimes later in life.

Mr. Eades was born on July 17, 1925, grew up during the difficult years of the Great Depression and came of age during World War II.  After graduating from Russell High School in 1943, he joined the Army Air Corps where he served as a bombardier on the B-24J Liberator.  That began a lifelong love of flying.  After getting his pilot’s license, he spent many hours with the local flying club at Ashland Regional Airport.

When World War II ended, Mr. Eades took advantage of the G.I. Bill and attended the University of Kentucky.  He made his living primarily as a small business owner in and around the Russell area.  While Mr. Eades lived in Russell, he joined Smith Lodge #775 F&AM.  He had just been recognized for 75 years of Masonic membership shortly before his death.

Mr. Eades is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Eleanor MacGregor Eades, and his two daughters Melinda K. Eades (John Goebel) and Cynda L. Eades (Dennis McClintock).  He was preceded in death by his only grandchild Benjamin Edward Strohmeier.

There will be a private family service at a later date.  Donations in Mr. Eades’ memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.