MILTON ENGLISH, V. "SONNY"

The world received a special gift on Friday June 24 1984, in the person of Milton (Sonny) English V.  Sonny (as he was affectionately called) was born to Milton (Sonny) English IV and Sylvia English in Akron, Ohio.

He attended Akron Central Hower High School and graduated in 2002. Sonny enrolled in the ITT Technical Institute in Akron, Ohio where he obtained an Associate’s Degree in Technology. Sonny was gainfully employed for the past five years by J.T.S. Maintenance where he faithfully serviced professional medical buildings until his health prevented him from doing so.

He loved to eat, spend time with his family, and attend church services. Sonny’s favorite pastime was watching movies with his grandmother. He was gifted to draw, and sing. He (like his parents) had a love for music but his passion was percussion.

“Sonny lived to play the drums”! He could be found, frequenting area music stores, studios and rehearsal halls to sharpen his craft. His gift could be heard echoing in the corridors of churches, concert halls, theaters and studio's throughout Northeastern Ohio.

Sonny was a “Proud” member of the Hills Temple First Born Church of the Living God where he served as the drummer, under the leadership of Bishop Langford Floyd. 

From 2012 to 2019 he was the drummer for the University of Akron Gospel Choir. During the course of his music career, he not only shared the stage with his guitarist father but also well-known local musicians and close friends to name a few… Allen Watson, Grant Jackson, Darryl Williams, Terrance Duncan, and Finland Bolden. He had the opportunity to play for, International Recording Artist Charelle Unique and Gospel Music Legend Douglas Miller.

Sonny (with the blessing of his Bishop) held the position as the Lead Percussionist of the Kingdom Nation Assembly of Ministries for the past 3 years under the leadership of Pastor K. Vinson.  He worked diligently with the Minister of Music Darryl McPherson and Psalmist India Watson to develop a unique sound. Sonny was always willing to help countless ministries and visiting ministers in need of accompaniment for their services, including but not limited to Just Real PDI Ministries (Apostle& Prophetess Corely and Prophet Rodney (Lady Stephanie) Tolen (Columbia, S.C) .

Despite his own challenges he was always adorned with that contagious smile of his. He was genuinely humble, always shared words of encouragement and was willing to pray for others. On his favorite day of the week “Sunday” January 10, 2021 after a lifelong courageous battle with lung disease, Sonny gained victory over sickness. He has been healed , delivered and breathing freely in the presence of ”The Almighty”!

Sonny will be greatly missed and leaves to cherish his memory: his loving Parents: Milton (Sonny) English IV, Sylvia English. Grandmothers: Catherine Marshall (Maternal) and Gwen English (Paternal.) Siblings: Telia Stokes and Darius Burley Aunts: Arinthia Jones of California; Kiomoka Miller of Michigan, Elizabeth Holly of Akron. Uncle: Thomas Fields of Akron.  Godmother: Sandra K. Jackson and Godfather Minister Michael Jackson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, church family and friends.

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