Ephraim "Sonny" Burrell

Ephraim "Sonny" Burrell, age 85, of Decatur, Georgia, passed away February 16, 2025.

Born November 24, 1939, in Demopolis, Alabama to Frank and Sarah Burrell, Ephraim embarked on his adult life's journey at the age of 17, first moving to Mobile, Alabama, then to Chicago, Illinois, before finally settling in Toledo, Ohio in 1959. Ohio became his new home, where his eight children were born and raised.

Ephraim was known for his adventurous spirit and enthusiasm for trying new things. He had a strong passion for cycling. So much so that he rode his bike to work (10 miles one way) every day for years. He was also an avid tennis player. Ephraim loved the outdoors. Some of his most treasured memories are camping with his family and summers boating and catching Walleye on Lake Erie. He also knew his way around car engines. A talent he liked to share whenever he saw a car broken down, he was quick to stop and offer a hand to fix it

Ephraim was very proud of his career in healthcare. He started out as a lab technician and eventually worked his way up to Division Manager at St Vincent’s Hospital. He often spoke fondly of the many friendships made and adventures had during his time working at Mercy Hospital, St. Vincent’s Hospital, and Cordelia Martin.

In 1996, Ephraim moved to Atlanta, Georgia, where he relished in his most cherished role as Grandpa. He adored his grandkids and loved nothing more than spending time with them. 

He was an active man that couldn’t sit still. Even as his health declined, he found great joy in cutting his own grass and tinkering under the hood of his old truck. Ephraim had an unmatched work ethic, warm sense of humor, and a big smile that will be truly missed.

He leaves a loving legacy in his children: Ronald (Genie), Brian, Timothy (Susan), Aimee, Lisa (Sylvester), Leslie, Jason, and Josh (Xiomy); fourteen grandchildren: Ronald II, Michael, Camille, Joseph, Jordan, Sydney, Olivia, Leah, Logan, Tessa, Lincoln, Maxwell, Vincent, and Arianna; three great grandchildren: Ronald III, Jaron, and Kardyn; and his siblings: Beatrice, Frank Jr, Margaret, Bessie Lee, James, Ulysses, Sarah, Gloria, Clarence, Eunice, Ethel, and Gerome. He was preceded in death by his sister Dorothy and his parents Frank and Sarah.