3 October 1947 — 30 October 2025
Final Curtain Call: Elizabeth House Hospice, Flat Rock, NC
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to: Elizabeth House Hospice.
His sister shared when we were together saying our goodbyes to this man, I called partner, lover, and heart of my heart, that he was called Sonny because he was such a happy baby.
A lifelong educator, actor, and theater consultant, Sonny was born in Dayton, Ohio.
He had a B.S. in Management/Communication Arts from University of Dayton, 1969. When he talked with his fellow new hires at his first “business” job and shared his love of theatre, they encouraged him to follow his heart and “go for it” so he did, applying to Bowling Green State University where he received both the
M.A. in Directing/Oral Interpretation and
Ph.D. In Directing/Theatre Arts.
He loved working with student students and his office door was always open.
He was also an asure judge of character and did not suffer fools
He was seen. He was heard.
Baird and Sonny met UNC – G in 1976. Immediate connection and unusual coincidences solidified their lifelong journey.
After spending 20 years in the Midwest at Western Illinois University, he and his wife of nearly 50 years, retired to Lake Lure, Rutherford County, where they live surrounded by nature as they had been in their 30s, when they lived in Union Mills.
He returned to acting in an Asheville Community Theatre production of Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, 2006–2007 Season (role reprised twice earlier) finally with the experience to bring the role to life. Former students were in the audience, reconnected and have been a wonderful part of retirement.
Survivors include Sonny’s wife Baird of Lake Lure; Sister Myrtle Gruber of Boyd, KY; Niece Vicky Kelly, Ogdensburg, NY and Osceola FL; Nephew Jack Gruber of Falls Church, VA and friends from coast to coast and beyond.
An “After Tears” gathering is being planned for the spring of 2026; an opportunity for family, friends, and acquaintances to share stories and celebrate Sonny’s life.