WILLIAMSBURG — Guy H. “Sonny” Quesenberry, 85, died Thursday, March 4, 2021, at his home surrounded by his devoted family. He was a longtime resident of Newport News.
“Sonny,” as he was known by those who loved him, was born Feb. 6, 1936, in Pulaski County to Swanson and Elizabeth. He grew up surrounded by his brothers and sister in the dazzling mountains of Southwest Virginia.
Sonny was an All-American football player at Radford High School. While in Christiansburg, he met his lifelong mate, Dorothy Faye Correll. He was offered many football scholarships; he chose Clemson University, where he received his bachelor’s degree.
After graduation, he married Dorothy. They moved to Newport News, where they began their careers as dedicated educators at Warwick High School. Sonny taught history there, coached track and field and influenced the lives of many students. He was promoted to assistant principal; earned his master’s degree from William & Mary; and finally, his doctorate from Virginia Tech. One of the happiest times of his career was when he served as principal of Briarfield Elementary School, where he served for many years surrounded by some of the best educators who became lifelong friends. When he retired, he was principal of Dozier Middle School. Sonny touched the lives of so many with his quiet strength, sharp humor and his indomitable spirit.
For Sonny, family was everything. He was devoted to his wife of 52 years, Dorothy Faye. When he wasn’t on the golf course, he spent countless hours watching, talking about and thinking about Clemson Football. Sonny loved his farm in the mountains of Dugspur, where he spent his later days riding around the farm on the Gator with his son, Guy. His children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy.
Sonny was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy; father, Swanson Crocket Quesenberry; mother, Elizabeth Amanda Wright Berkman; brothers, Grover C., James G. “Jimmy,” Claude J. “Junior”; and sister, Lucille Elizabeth.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Guy Jr. (Stephanie); daughter, Harriet “Hat” (Kirk) Stevens; grandchildren, Ashleigh Marie Matthews, S. Kyle Wightman and Shelby Raye Wightman (Wesley Clements). He also leaves behind his two great-grandchildren, Karmella Marie Ross and Odin Wesley Clements; beloved nephew, David Quesenberry (Danelle); along with too many friends to mention who will treasure their memories of this amazing man.
A celebration of life will be in the spring to celebrate Sonny. Details will be forthcoming.
Memorial donations may be made in Sonny’s name to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society or American Diabetes Association.
Share online condolences with the family at Nelsen Funeral Home.
