Michael Craig Sonnier

Michael Craig Sonnier, aged 66, of Rogers, passed into the Glory of Heaven on Saturday October 1, 2022 at Mercy Hospital in Rogers. He was born July 19, 1956 in Hawthorne, California to Wanda Lou Massey and Johnny Leon Sonnier.

Mike married the love of his life, Carol Davis, on October 10, 1975 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Together they raised their two sons, Michael Shawn Sonnier and Solon Shapiro Bennett, to follow God’s calling, appreciate the world around them, and always be prepared to serve others.

To all who knew him, he was larger than life. He loved the Lord Jesus with all his heart. God’s gift to Mike was a deep, golden rich voice that rivaled the angels. For 50 years he served as music and worship leader in various Baptist churches throughout Northwest Arkansas and Oklahoma, going wherever he was asked. For many years, he was lead vocalist with various local gospel groups. He was always ready with a song for any occasion, mood or conversation, and could be heard throughout the day singing the songs his heart couldn’t contain.

Mike enjoyed sports, most especially anything Razorbacks and the Chicago Cubs. Watching his sons play baseball as boys led him to become an umpire. He umpired youth baseball for more than 20 years and was already looking forward to next spring’s games.

But by far, his role as “Pops” to his two grandchildren was the one he cherished most. Their names were always on the tip of his tongue, and he could be heard several times each day praying for them.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his mother-in-law, Norma Mobley Davis. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Carol Davis Sonnier; sons Solon Shapiro Bennett and Michael Shawn Sonnier, daughter-in-law Kim McKay; his father Robert Green of Tulsa, Oklahoma; sister Vicky Smith of Fayetteville, Arkansas; brother Flint Green of Wesley, Arkansas; grandson Asher Lane McKay; granddaughter Charlie Bell Sonnier; father-in-law Odell Davis of Huntsville, Arkansas; brothers-and sisters-in-law Betty Green, Steve Smith, Craig & Louise Davis of Springdale, Arkansas; Gaylon & Tammy Davis of Springdale, and Kane Davis of Huntsville, Arkansas. He also leaves behind 12 nieces and nephews and beloved cousins too numerous to name.

Westfield Chapel in Springdale, Arkansas will host visitation with the family on Sunday, October 9th from 2:00 to 4:00 pm, and the services on Monday, October 10th at 1:00 pm.

Pallbearers will be Craig Graves, Josh Massey, Steve Alderson, Justin Davis, Nathan Davis and Randy Davis. Interment will immediately follow at Upper Clifty Cemetery in Clifty, Arkansas.