NEELYVILLE, Mo. — Our Father, God in Heaven called his son, Clifford Lee “Sonny” Baccus, 84, of Harviell, Mo., home Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021 surrounded by his loving family.
Sonny was born Sept. 1, 1937, in Coon Island, Mo., to the late James Luther “Duke” Baccus and Dolly (Silkwood) Baccus.
On Nov. 4, 1964, he married his wife of 54 years, the late Barbara Sue Baccus of Coon Island.
Sonny joined the United States Navy in 1955, serving four years of active duty. In the Spring of 1958, he was part of Operation Hardtack. He had a great passion and love for his country, and his patriotism remained fierce throughout his lifetime.
Sonny operated a sawmill business for over 50 years. He was a staple in his community and a man of great integrity, an old soul that believed a handshake and your word was good enough. He was well-known, respected and loved by everyone in his hometown and for many, many miles out in all directions. He had a strong work ethic and worked tirelessly.
Sonny was the beloved head of his family, his love for them was unconditional and there is nothing he wouldn’t have done for them. His home was always full of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and endless amounts of friends he always treated as his own. Spending time with them all is what he enjoyed the most.
He had a kind heart and a good nature. To his entire family, he was their hero. He will be immensely missed by them, his extended family and anyone who ever walked through his door.
Sonny was of a nondenominational faith.
He is survived by two daughters, Rhonda Dye (Wayne) of Harviell, Stephanie Anderson (Jay) of Jackson, and Allen Baccus (Bridget) of Neelyville; 15 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren; one sister, Nancy Louise (Baccus) Ferguson; and daughter-in-law, Amy Thompson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; two sons, James Lyle Baccus and David Brooks; one brother, Donald Lee Baccus; one sister, Ella Verneal Baccus; and one daughter-in-law, Dee Brooks.
Visitation will begin at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 29, at Fowler & Sons Funeral Home in Neelyville. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 30 in the chapel with Donnie Fowler officiating. Burial to follow at Coon Island Cemetery.
The Coon Island Cemetery was a special place for Sonny. The family asks, in lieu of flowers, to make donations for the cemetery’s upkeep and care taking at Fowler and Sons Funeral website.