Pompano Beach  — We deeply mourn the loss of Wilburn Curtis "Sonny" Russom, a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. Sonny was born in Pahokee, FL, on June 12, 1943. He left this world peacefully to be with the Lord on August 5, 2023.


As an Airman 1st Class in the United States Air Force, Sonny proudly served his country in places across the globe. He was the first airman to be granted permission to paint his name on his fighter jet. So for a time in the 1960s, C/C A1C W. RUSSOM could be seen flying high as he came under fire protecting his country in Vietnam.


He met the love of his life, Frances "Cookie" Russom in 1966, and they married on May 1, 1968. After spending the early years of their marriage in Athens, GA, where he earned his Master's degree, Sonny and Cookie moved their family to Tallahassee, FL. Sonny became a Ranch Manager of an 11,000-acre farm called Southwood Plantation. Well-suited for life on the ranch, he found great joy spending time on the sprawling green pastures with his two young children. The family moved to South Florida in the early 80s, where Sonny began his successful real estate career. Their third child was born while living in Pompano Beach, and Sonny and Cookie have resided there ever since.


A University of Georgia alumnus, Sonny was a diehard Bulldogs fan. One of his favorite things to do was watch college football on Saturdays with his family while entertaining them with his guitar. Reverberating echoes of "Go Dawgs" will forever be heard in his Southern gentleman's accent, as will his beautiful renditions of songs by artists of all genres.


Those who knew Sonny throughout his eight decades of life truly knew how special he was. With a quick wit and a facetious sense of humor, Sonny was famous for his enchanting stories and Southern-style anecdotes. Every person who spent time in his company benefited from his immense knowledge, learning life lessons with every conversation.


Sonny is survived by his wife, Cookie; his children, Curtis "Beau" Jr., his wife Marlo; Ashley, her husband Steve; Kirk, his wife Christina; and his grandchildren Trey, Kacey, Kirk Jr., and Cameron.


Sonny will be forever missed, but his spirit lives on in his family and friends, and in the countless lives he touched over the years. Sonny was an avid reader. To quote one of his favorite writers, Lewis Grizzard, "Life is like a dogsled race. If you ain't the lead dog, the scenery never changes." The lead "Dawg" he most definitely is, and we know he's enjoying the change of scenery. He will be missed tremendously by all who had the privilege of knowing him.