Thursday, February 2, 2012 9:04 am

Oliver Hicks “Sonny” Koone Jr., 80, of Spindale passed away Wednesday, January 25, 2012.              

 He was born on December 20, 1931 and moved to Rutherford County in 1937. He was the son of the late Oliver Hicks Koone Sr. and Daisey Kirby Koone. Sonny was a member of the Western Star Lodge Number 91 of Rutherfordton, a graduate of Oakridge Military Institute Oak Ridge, NC and had worked for the merchant marines. He was co-owner of the Shake Shop in Spindale from 1952-1970.                           

 He is survived by his wife of 56 years Betty Hudson Koone; two sons: Oliver “Hicks” Koone, III, and wife Rita of Gaffney, SC; 
Shannon Koone of Spindale; one daughter: Karen Koone Hewitt and husband Mike Hewitt of Rutherfordton; one grandson Justin Koone of Forest City.                                    

A Celebration of his life was held at McMahan’s Funeral Home Chapel.              

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Rutherford County POB 336 Forest City NC 28043 or to the Meals on Wheels Program POB 461 Spartanburg SC 29304.                     

McMahans Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.