Alfred Ray "Sonny" Bankhead, 88, of Markham, TX, passed away peacefully, Friday, November 12, 2010, at home surrounded by his family. He was born November, 18, 1921 in Markham, TX to the late Hollie Ray and Rosalie Frieze Bankhead.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, and a lifelong resident of Markham. He was also a retired Boilermaker and Operator with Marathon Oil Company and a member of St. Robert's Catholic Church in Markham, a member of the 100 Club, and a member and past Commander of the Philip H. Parker VFW Post 2438 in Bay City.

He was preceded in death by his parents; by his son, Donald Ray Bankhead; his sisters, Dorothy Urban, June Lewis and Janet Mullins. He is survived by his wife: Winnie Bankhead of Markham; his daughters: Judy Sliva and husband Tony of Blessing and Janet Saha and husband Mike of El Maton; sister: Elizabeth Myers of Deer Park; by grandchildren: Jana Dyer and husband Gerald, Cheryl Riojas, Scott Sliva, Jeff Sliva, Sheri Mayfield and husband Kelly, Mikey Saha and wife Christa, Stacey Spencer and husband Kade, and Mark Saha and wife Hillary; and by 12 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his niece and Godmother: Gertie Mayeux.

The Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM Sunday, November 14, 2010 at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM Monday, November 15, 2010 at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Blessing, TX with Rev. Peter Yeboah-Amanfo officiating. Interment will immediately follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Van Vleck, TX. His grandsons will serve as his pallbearers.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.taylorbros.net. Arrangements are with Taylor Bros. Funeral Home, Bay City, TX (979) 245-4613.