Walter Franklin “Sonny” Wilder, 86

August 3, 1938 – October 7, 2024

Walter Franklin Wilder, known as “Sonny” to most everyone in the community, passed away peacefully Monday October 7, 2024, at North Mississippi Medical Center in Tupelo, MS surrounded by loved ones.

Funeral Services honoring Mr. Sonny’s life will be at 3 PM Friday October 11, 2024, in the Heritage Chapel of the Ripley Funeral Home with Bro. Jeff Johnson and Bro. Dan Darling officiating. Visitation will be from 1 PM until time of service on Friday October 11, 2024, at Ripley Funeral Home. A Graveside service will follow in Falkner Cemetery.

Born August 3, 1938, in Pontotoc County, Mr. Sonny was the son of the late Robert and Lillian McCraw Wilder. He received his education from Ecru Public School System and proudly served in the United States Army. A hard worker, Mr. Sonny was a plant manager with the BenchCraft corporation for over twenty years until his retirement in the early 2000’s.

A Christian and member of Falkner United Methodist Church, Mr. Sonny was an easy going soul, who was a joy to be around and had a moving influence on everyone he met. A lover of the great outdoors, his favorite pastimes included working outside, and spending quality time with his family. He was “Mr. Fix It” to most of them, as he was quite talented in everything he did, and they could rely on him for anything. No stone was every left unturned in how Mr. Sonny lived his life, helped others, and served his community. He knew the true riches in life, which was keeping things simple, surrounding himself by family and friends, and loving the Lord with all you have.

Those left to cherish his memories include his wife of fifty-two years, Frances Cross Wilder, two daughters, Stacey Wilder and Shea Bridges (Lee Allan), two sons, Kevin Wilder (Jenna), and Ken Reaves (Missy), one sister, Jancie Bass, one brother, Merle Wilder, and nine grandchildren, Madison Wilder, Cade Wilder, Brandon Reaves, Will Childs, Avery Wilder, Brinlee Bridges, Braelyn Bridges, Riggs Childs, and Rob Childs.

In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by two sisters, Bobbie Johnson, and Wilma Moss, and one brother, Dennis Wilder.

Those serving as pallbearers will be Cade Wilder, Brandon Reaves, Will Childs, Riggs Childs, Rob Childs, Drayton Potts, Hayden Holcomb, and Kenny Graves.

Honorary pallbearers will be Ken Cooper, Steven Johnson, Daryel Rogers, Tommy Benson, and Lee Allan Bridges.

Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with Mr. Sonny’s family.

Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.