Eulies Roy “Sonny” Kuykendall
1932 – 2024
Today we speak to honor and remember the extraordinary life of Roy Eulies “Sonny” Kuykendall, who graced this world on December 20th, 1932, in Lindsay, Oklahoma. Born to Raymond and Julia Kuykendall, his life was a story of devotion, skill, and gentle humor, woven with love through the years.
Sonny is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Doris Jeanette Kuykendall; his brother, Ron and Joan Kuykendall, and his sister Carole Ann and her late husband Jearl Kirkendoll; his children, Jim and Beth Kuykendall, Jay and Julie Kuykendall, Aaron and Becky Kuykendall, and Chuck and Amy Kuykendall Clowers. His grandchildren, Audrey Jones, Alyssa Foss, Caleb Kuykendall, Emily Kuykendall, Ava Kuykendall, Aliese Stipes, Ryan Kuykendall, Jacob Clowers, Anna Ratliff, Elizabeth Clowers, Jay Kuykendall, Ella Kuykendall, and the late Dustin Clowers. His legacy continues in his great-grandchildren Lily, Rose, Noah, Sarah, Channing, Asher, Bella, Lochlan, Everett, Rowan, Jon, Theodore, Aviana, Heidi, and Ivy.
Sonny spent his early years on his grandparent’s home place in Lindsay, OK, a place where his charm earned him the affectionate nickname “Sonny,” a name that accompanied him throughout his lifetime.
Sonny and Doris grew up together and enjoyed singing together at different events. Music was something they loved and they passed that love on to their family. They have always worshiped and served in different capacities at the Church of Christ throughout the years and Sonny also served as an elder at Quail Springs Church of Christ. They are currently part of the New Hope Church of Christ family. Having the ability to worship online has blessed them and brought them happiness and joy when they were unable to attend the physical campus.
A carpenter like his father, Sonny’s hands were skilled, his work ethic steadfast, and his integrity unwavering. Precision and care marked every cabinet, piece of furniture, and home he crafted. His distinguished work led him to the role of foreman and later co-founder of Wood Designs where, for over two decades, beauty and functionality sprang from his vision and diligence.
Sonny’s favorite past time was rocking each one of our family’s babies. He sang the song “Bringing in the Sheaves” countless times in his beautiful tenor voice. Sonny also loved and excelled in many sports. He enjoyed basketball, football, and golf, and was an excellent fisherman. He would watch almost every sports event with great enthusiasm.
Sonny loved animals, nature, and was excellent at forecasting the weather, identifying animal tracks, and bird songs, and was able to identify plants and trees of all types, and could easily identify any wood grain and species of wood.
What we remember most about Sonny was his witty humor. He had the quickest mind and could spout off a funny phrase that would have everyone laughing. He loved to make people happy and that was his gift. He knew just what to say to encourage everyone to smile. He was special in this way, and gifted at lifting people up.
We as his family were blessed to have him in our lives. We continue to smile when remembering his happy personality, and his kind and sweet spirit. He loved to spread joy to others, which in our lives will last forever.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 2nd, 2024 at New Hope Church of Christ, with interment to follow at Rose Hill Burial Park.
I worked at Wood Designs with Sonny, Jim, Jay and Aaron. I remember Sonny as a kind hearted man who took the time to say hello to every employee when he was in the building. I did payroll and for years he would stop by on Friday to sign each paycheck personally. He would ask about certain people if he saw a low paycheck to ask if they or their family were okay. Then later I would see him talking to the person for a little while if they were in the shop. He told me, when he decided to retire full-time, to not let the “boys” treat me badly.
I want Doris, Jim, Jay, Aaron and Amy to know that they will all be in my thoughts and prayers while going through this difficult time. But I want you to know that while the pain of loss will not go away, that the wonderful memories are always there just waiting to help you through it.
Best Wishes to each of you,
Sheree Hicks
Sonny and Doris and family were a blessing to our family. Witty, yes, we went on cruises, and driving vacations with the Kuykendall’s and Sonny kept us entertained the whole time. When we pulled into San Juan, he announced we have arrived at San Juan, Porter Wagner. In Hawaii, he said when we were herded into a barn to purchase all the side trips they had to offer, he said my American Express card is smoking, I’ve spent money I have not even made yet. Loved Sonny and Doris and their children. I wish I had known in time to attend his memorial. But I have many memories to remember about my good friend. Lean on the Lord Doris and children and stay in the church our Lord died to build. Love, We are promised a wonderful futur e. Mike Hannah
Son was a special Christian brother and friend. We enjoyed many fun times with the family and have special memories to bring smiles to our face. Our prayers are with the family. Richard and Ellen Brewer