Mckinley Mcphatter, Iii

Very quietly and peacefully on April 23, 2012, the Almighty God in His infinite wisdom, gently closed the eyes of our beloved son, and brother as he entered into his eternal rest.

Sonny as he was affectionately called was born to McKinley "Mac" and Mary McPhatter on October 26, 1954, at the Georgetown Hospital in Washington, D.C. He was the third of four children and the only son born to McKinley and Mary.

At an early age Sonny accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior. He was baptized at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Ruther Glen, VA, where he attended regularly until relocating to Northern Virginia.

He attended the Caroline County Public Schools and graduated from Ladysmith High School in 1972. He continued his education at Virginia State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1982. He worked many years at the Southland Corporation, and then transitioned as a Manager for the CVS Corporation for over ten years, prior to his illness.

To know Sonny was to love him. He had the biggest heart and would do anything for anybody. Before his illness, he truly loved to cook big meals and his greatest joy was not only servicing his family, but also his friends and acquaintances. Renee remembers the time when her son graduated from high school and could not find a caterer; Sonny graciously prepared the entire meal. One friend commented on how Sonny's barbecue was the best ever and we thought that he would never stop eating. Needless to say, Sonny mastered many dishes and we all benefited from his love of cooking.

Sonny was known for his love of family, and enjoyed coming home often, and most recently he celebrated the Easter Holiday with the family.

Sonny will be greatly missed, but we know that he is in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father.

He leaves to cherish his memory his parents, McKinley & Mary McPhatter, three sisters; Renee Smith (Rev. Jesse Smith), Annette McPhatter and Iris McPhatter; a very special niece Jessica Smith and nephew Justin Smith (Amy Smith) and his precious great nephew Justice McKinley Smith; special cousins; Chico, Sharon and Deborah (Cakie); a beloved Aunt, Vera Murphy; his best friend of many years Bill Johnson, and a dear family friend Rev. Joanne Brooks, who lovingly called him "Sir Duke", and a host of loving relatives and friends.



Funeral Home:
Cedell Brooks Funeral Home
25662 A.P. Hill Blvd
Port Royal, VA
US 22535