R.L. Sonny Noblin. Jr Rev.

Rev. R.L. Sonny Noblin, Jr., 68, was called home to meet his Lord, whom he so faithfully followed and proclaimed, on Saturday, February 16, 2008 at the Hospice House in Greenwood. He was born in Greenwood, SC to the late Raymond L. and Frances Bowie Noblin. Sonny will be remembered as the devoted husband of the late Frances T. Noblin for 51 years, father of four, and beloved pastor of Victory Baptist Church (formally Stark Mission) for 31 years. One of his greatest rewards in ministry was serving the inmates at the Abbeville County Prison for many years, with several answering the call to ministry themselves. Though he was affected by leukemia in 2000, he faithfully fulfilled his ministry of teaching God's Word until he was disabled by a stroke in 2007. Mr. Noblin retired from the City of Abbeville and worked for Hodge Frozen Food for many years. He was a founding member of the Long Cane Enduro Association and enjoyed photography as a hobby for which he won a number of awards. His love of nature was reflected in his photography. Above everything, though, was his interest in and passion for the Word and work of God. Sonny loved life, his family, and his church. He is survived by his son, John B. Noblin and wife Lori of Abbeville, SC; three daughters, Neile N. Ross and husband Ray of Abbeville, LeeAnne N. May and husband Tim of Greenwood and Nicole N. Chapman and husband Rich of Greenwood; a sister, Linda N. Kirkland of Abbeville; six grandchildren, B.J. McCord, Carmen Noblin, Matthew Noblin, Brianna Noblin, Ella Wood and Lily Chapman; and one great-granddaughter, Alexis Noblin. The family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM on Tuesday, February 19, 2008 at Harris Funeral Home. A Celebration of Sonny's life will be 2:00PM Wednesday, February 20, 2008 in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Gilgal United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will be at the home of the Late Sonny & Frances Noblin. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully request memorial contributions be sent to the Leukemia-Lymphoma Association, The South Carolina Chapter, 107 Westpark Blvd., Suite 150, Columbia, SC 29210 OR to Gideon's International, Abbeville Chapter, PO Box 1126, Abbeville, SC 29620. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville, is assisting the Noblin family.