In Loving Memory of William Edward "Sonny" Kuykendall

1942 - 2024

William Edward Kuykendall, lovingly known to all as "Sonny," passed away peacefully at his residence in Azle, Texas, on November 21, 2024, at the age of 82. Born on July 17, 1942, in Roswell, New Mexico, Sonny lived a life marked by deep faith, unyielding generosity, and boundless love for his family and community.

Sonny was the cherished son of Lenard Junior Coran and Bertha Louise Beagles-Coran. Raised in a close-knit and loving family with his three sisters and two brothers, Sonny experienced a childhood filled with warmth and shared adventures. His family moved often during his youth, fostering a spirit of adaptability and resilience that would define his character.

From an early age, Sonny's Pentecostal faith became the cornerstone of his life. Baptized at the age of 15, he embraced a life devoted to God and remained a deeply spiritual man throughout his years. Sonny's faith guided his every decision, and he exemplified Christian values in all that he did, becoming a pillar of kindness, morality, and love to those around him.

In October of 1964, Sonny's life changed forever when he met the love of his life, Jerry, at the Church of God in White Settlement, Texas. Their love story was one of destiny—an instant and profound connection that led to their marriage just six weeks later. For 60 beautiful years, they built a life together filled with love, faith, and adventure.

Sonny was a visionary and a hard-working entrepreneur who built multiple businesses over the years. Early in his marriage, he and Jerry moved to Arkansas, where they established a carpet laying business and a car dealership. Later, when they returned to Texas, Sonny again built a thriving carpet-laying business and a successful used car business - Circle (K)ars and Truck Sales - which he and Jerry owned and ran for over twenty-five years, here in Azle, Texas. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by his generosity—Sonny was known to give away at least two cars every year and sometimes many more to members of his community who were in need, a testament to his selflessness and compassion.

Life on Eagle Mountain Lake was one of Sonny's greatest joys. A devoted fisherman, he spent countless days on the water, and his family still marvels at the time he reeled in a 70-pound catfish from his own backyard. Sonny also loved raising pigs and chickens, gardening (despite admitting he lacked a green thumb), and singing hymns at church. A man of simple pleasures, Sonny delighted in the beauty of nature, the laughter of his grandchildren, and the peace of country life.

Above all else, Sonny was a family man. To his children, he was the ultimate role model—a loving, affectionate father who instilled strong morals and unwavering values. To his grandchildren, he was the light of their lives, a source of endless joy and encouragement. His family believes they were blessed with the best father and grandfather anyone could ever have.

Sonny's legacy is one of profound goodness. He was a man who never hesitated to help those in need, a man whose heart overflowed with gratitude and love for others. He touched countless lives with his kindness, humility, and unwavering faith.

Sonny is survived by his beloved wife, Jerry Kuykendahll; his children, Tammy Gunter (husband Robert), Keith Kuykendall (wife Trisha), and Sunshine Kukulka (husband Karey); his 16 cherished grandchildren: Ryan, Taylor, Justin, Dakota, Ty, Meagan, Brittney, Blayke, Huntyr, Colton, Beverly, Angel, Leeah, Summer, Keri Ann, and Christopher; and his 31 treasured great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Betty Hammer (husband Lonny), Wanda Hale, and Gaye Gabaldon (husband Dale); his brothers, Richard Odell Coran (wife Sherry) and Daryl Coran; and a host of extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lenard and Bertha Coran.

A visitation for Sonny will be held on Friday, November 29, 2024, at 1:00 PM at The Word Church in Lakeside, Texas. Located at 9396 Confederate Park Rd, Lakeside, TX, 76135. Following his visitation, his funeral service will begin @ 2:00 PM also at The Word Church in Lakeside. Following, will be his committal service at Azleland Cemetery & Memorial Park, located at 850 N. Cardinal Rd, Azle, TX, 76020.

Sonny's memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him. His life was a testament to the power of faith, family, and love—a legacy that will inspire generations to come. Rest in peace, Sonny. You were truly one of a kind.