William A. “Sonny” Tolbert

William A. “Sonny” Tolbert, age 89, passed away March 30, 2026, in the presence of his family. Funeral services were held Friday, April 3, at 11 a.m. at Lester Memorial Methodist Church with the Reverends Joe Hastings, Barry Hallman, and Clay Farrington officiating. Burial was held at Oak Hill Cemetery in Oneonta. The family received visitors from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service.

 Sonny is survived by his wife of 62 years, Joan Sams Tolbert of Maylene; two sons Craig (Kristi) Tolbert of Hoover and Brent (April) of Calera; one brother James Tolbert of Oneonta; four grandsons Trent (Bailey) Tolbert of Birmingham, Brooks (Madison) Tolbert of Pelham, Sam Tolbert of Hoover, and Ross Tolbert of Calera; and one great-granddaughter Quinn Tolbert. He is preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Tolbert and Jessie Lean Bynum Tolbert; and one sister Virginia Tolbert Coppock.

 Honorary pallbearers were members of the Oneonta Redskin Band. Active pallbearers were Brooks Tolbert, Ross Tolbert, Sam Tolbert, Trent Tolbert, Brad White, and Buddy Coppock.

 Sonny was born and raised in Oneonta and grew up with a passion for music, which led him to earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in music education from The University of Alabama. He served students as a beloved band director for 39 years, 23 of which were in Oneonta. In the 1975-76 school year, Sonny was inducted into the Jacksonville State University Teacher Hall of Fame. He was instrumental in the development of the Blount County “All-County” Band. 

A devoted member of Lester Memorial Methodist Church, he relished in service as a church host and prepared savory meals that supported church fellowship and outreach ministries. He also cherished opportunities to serve in the music ministry with the Lester Memorial Chancel Choir, as well as the Blount County Gospel Choir. 

In the mid-1980s, Sonny and Joan opened Joan’s Kitchen in downtown Oneonta where they were known for delicious lunches, spectacular catering, and everyone’s favorite... Sonny’s cheesecake. 

In later years, “Pop” and “Nana” relocated to Shelby County to be near family. He enjoyed supporting his grandsons at their numerous sporting and musical events, as well as hosting family dinners. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Alabaster and treasured his opportunities to perform with the choir, as well as attending Keenager functions. Additionally, he was a member of the Riverchase Gospel Choir. 

Sonny's presence will be missed among his family, former students, and church families, but all that knew him are assured that he is rejoicing in song with his Lord and Savior.

 In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Lester Memorial Methodist Church or First United Methodist Church of Alabaster.