Harold “Sonny” Franklin Towery

Harold “Sonny” Franklin Towery, of Morganton, celebrated his 89th birthday on April 4, 2026, by entering the gates of Heaven.

Born in Cleveland County, on April 4, 1937, he was the son of the late Bryce Towery and Flossie Hull Towery.

Sonny was an active member of El Bethel Baptist Church where he served on several committees throughout the years. He served as the athletic director for the City of Morganton and retired as warehouse manager from Broughton Hospital. Sonny spent many years coaching Little League and took numerous teams to tournament playoffs. He was also instrumental in bringing tee ball to Morganton. He was a past president of the Optimist Club and was awarded the Distinguished Service Award from the Morganton Jaycees in 1971.

Sonny traveled throughout the United States and spent years boating and skiing on Lake James. He was a collector of classic Ford vehicles and enjoyed driving his tractor. He also loved the outdoors and enjoyed rabbit hunting with friends and family well into his 80s. Sonny never met a stranger, and he loved coordinating family reunions for his extensive extended family.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Karen Hilton Towery; son, Jeff Towery (Donna); grandchildren, Adam Towery (Emily) and Emily Hendrix (Levi); great-grandchildren, Parker Towery, Savannah Towery, and Eli Hendrix; brother, Tommy Towery (Glenda); and nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Sonny was preceded in death by a son, Todd Towery; and sisters, Gayle Bolick and Virginia Hudson.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at El Bethel Baptist Church. The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. at the church with the Rev. Justin Cunningham, the Rev. Cory Galli, and the Rev. David Orders officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to El Bethel Baptist Church, P.O. Box 2518, Morganton, NC 28680.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.