Ira "Sonny" Lingo, Jr.

Ira Lingo Jr. (Sonny) was born in Gordon, Georgia to the parents of the late Fannie Mae Johnson-Smith and the late Ira (the late Louise) Lingo, Sr., later moving to Vineland, New Jersey, where he built a life filled with love, hard work, and laughter. His final home was in Macon, Georgia, where he spent his later years surrounded by family.

He was a proud father to Ira Lingo, Lisa Lingo, and the late Greg Thurman, and a loving grandfather to April King, Milton Marshall, Shandrena Marshall, Minko Baskin, Jalisa Baskin, and Kadesha Lingo. His joy multiplied as he became a great-grandfather to Ryah Porter, Antonio Middlebrooks, Sa’Vion Jones and Londyn Byron and many others who will carry forward his memory. Ira was also a beloved brother to Bernice (Roger) Walker, Alfred Lingo, Martha (Eric) Carswell, Annie Brown, Frederick (the late Martha) Lingo, Ulysses (Valerie) Lingo, Edward (Ruth) Lingo, Ira (Sharon) Lingo and the late John L Lingo, Jeanette Lingo and Kenneth Lewis and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. His large, close-knit family was the center of his world.

Ira spent many years working at Wheaton Glass in Millville, New Jersey, starting as a glass packer and proudly working his way up to supervisor. He often shared that he got the job through his father, which created a special bond between them. After retiring, he returned to Macon, where he could be found in the kitchen cooking for his loved ones — one of his favorite ways to show love.

He was a man of many passions: he loved boxing and wrestling, and he never missed a chance to call and talk to family. In his final years, he found joy in the simple pleasure of watching YouTube videos, always curious and learning.

Ira will be remembered for his warm heart, his dedication to family, and his ability to make people feel loved and cared for. His presence will be deeply missed, but the lessons he taught and the love he shared will live on in every generation that follows.

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