Guy H. Quesenberry, 85, died March. 4, 2021, at his home in Williamsburg, Va., surrounded by his devoted family. He was a longtime resident of Newport News.
“Sonny,” as he was known by those who loved him, was born Feb. 6, 1936, in Pulaski County to Swanson and Elizabeth. He grew up surrounded by his brothers and sister in the dazzling mountains of Southwestern Virginia.
Sonny was an All-American football player at Radford High School. While in Christiansburg, he met his lifelong mate, Dorothy Faye Correll. He was offered many football scholarships, and he chose Clemson University where he received his bachelor’s degree. After graduation, he married Dorothy and they moved to Newport News where they began their careers as dedicated educators at Warwick High School.
Sonny taught history there, coached track and field, and influenced the lives of many students. He was promoted to assistant principal, earned his master’s degree from William and Mary, and his doctorate from Virginia Tech.
One of the happiest times of his life was when he served as principal of Briarfield Elementary School where he served for many years surrounded by some of the best educators who became lifelong friends. When he retired, he was principal of Dozier Middle School. Sonny touched the lives of so many with his quiet strength, his sharp humor, and his indomitable spirit.
For Sonny, family was everything. He was devoted to his wife of 52 years, Dorothy Faye. When he wasn’t on the golf course, he spent countless hours watching, talking about, and thinking about Clemson Football.
Sonny loved his farm in the mountains of Dugspur, Va., where he spent his later days riding around the farm on his Gator with his son, Guy. His children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were his greatest joy.
Sonny was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, his father, Swanson Crocket Quesenberry, his mother Elizabeth Amanda Wright Berkman, his brothers, Grover C.; James G. “Jimmy”; Claude J. “Junior”; and his sister, Lucille Elizabeth.
Left to cherish his memory are his son, Guy, Jr., (Stephanie); his daughter, Harriet “Hat” (Kirk) Stevens; and his grandchildren Ashleigh Marie Matthews, S. Kyle Wightman, and Shelby Raye Wightman (Wesley Clements). He also leaves behind his two great-grandchildren, Karmella Marie Ross and Odin Wesley Clements, and his beloved nephew, David Quesenberry (Danelle), along with too many friends to mention who will treasure their memories of this amazing man.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring. Details will be forthcoming.
Memorial donations can be made in Sonny’s name to the National MS Society at nationalmssociety.org/donate or to the American Diabetes Association at diabetes.org/donate.
