Beloved Coach, Northport’s First Gentleman Sonny Aaron Dies at 87

Beloved longtime coach Walter "Sonny" Aaron, age 87, of Northport, Alabama, passed away on April 27, 2023.

Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 3, 2023, at Tuscaloosa Memorial Park with The Rev. Dr. Daniel I. Thornton officiating and Magnolia Chapel North directing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, former Northport Mayor Donna Aaron; and parents, Walter and Edith Aaron.

Survivors include his sons, Michael (Laura) and Brian Aaron (Mary Goodloe); grandchildren, Davis Aaron, Walt Aaron, Laura Beth Aaron, Maggie Aaron, Sarah Aaron, and Logan Rigsby.

Sonny lived in Northport for most of his life, graduated from Tuscaloosa County High School and later received a degree in Physical Education from Livingston University. He taught and coached for 33 ½ years, all of which was in the Tuscaloosa County School System.

His late wife Donna became the first woman elected Mayor in Northport and died last August.

He enjoyed watching various athletic events and going to his camp house on the Tombigbee River. He was a tough, but loving husband, grandfather, father, teacher, and coach. His presence will be greatly missed.

Pallbearers will be Dwight Barger, David Christian, Mike Griffin, Wardy Jacobs, William Leavell, Danny Long, Jimmy Maddox, and Gary Mims.

Honorary pallbearers are Dr. Earl Stewart, Dr. James Robinson, Dr. William Hill, Alan Harper, Northport First United Methodist Church, friends of Two Rivers subdivision, and all former colleagues, students, and players from Northside High School, Tuscaloosa County High School, and Northport Junior High.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Northside High School athletic programs. Checks can be mailed to Northside High School, Attn: Jenny Pearson, 19230 Northside Parkway, Northport, AL 35475.