Clarence Reuben “Sonny” Cardinal
Feb 02, 1940 – Aug 18, 2019
Clarence Reuben “Sonny” Cardinal, 79, of Louisa County passed away Sunday, August 18, 2019 at the Hospice of the Piedmont, Charlottesville, VA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Cardinal Sr. and Irene Cardinal Daniel; his wife and the love of his life, Arlene S. Cardinal; his youngest son, Christopher Cardinal; his grandson, Jordan Henshaw; brother David Cardinal; and sister Phyllis Cardinal. Sonny is survived by his daughter, Susan C. Henshaw (Donnie); sons C.R. Cardinal Jr. and Dale Cardinal (Tammy); sisters Janice Cardinal (Ed Horton) and Faye Cardinal (Jerry Ferrell); two grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law and lifelong best friend, Nattie T. Strong; sister-in-law Minnie S. Irwin; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sonny was a devoted and generous member of Bethpage Christian Church in Mineral, VA where he attended church until his health began to fail. He was the owner of Cardinal’s Furniture Shop, specializing in custom handmade furniture and antique reproduction. The furniture shop was in business for three generations and employed many local men. Sonny loved his family and was his wife’s caregiver until her passing. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, attending turkey shoots and anything outdoors. Sonny always had a beautiful garden that he shared with his family and friends. He had a heart of gold.
A service will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, August 22 at Woodward Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery.
Dear Susan & Family, Our Thoughts & Prayers are with You at this very Sad Time.I remember seeing Your Dad at the turkey shoots,He was really good at it.I know God will wrap his loving arms around You & Bring You Comfort. He will be forever in Your Heart & The Memories will last forever. If You Need anything Susan, We are only a phone call away.
Deborah and I wish to extend our sympathy to the Cardinal family at the passing of “Sonny”. Sonny, and the Cardinal Furniture Shop, were tied to our family for four generations, as friends and through the love of fine furniture. Spending the first five years of my life at Lake Sherman with grandmother and grandfather (Mother Pettit & WAC), I remember seeing Sonny’s father arrive in his WW II jeep full of kids and his dog “Mack”. Sonny’s father, with his bibs and bear footed, all bailing out to go fishing ; right down across the spillway to the north side. Sonny once told me that Mother Pettit made he and Arlene’s wedding cake, as a token of her love of the family. Sonny will live on in our house through the numerous fine pieces of furniture, some of which go back to the beginning. Love to all. – Pembroke and Deborah Pettit
Memories! My love and sympathy go out to the Cardinal and Strong families. Frederick’s Hall, where we all grew up, and the families still living there hold a special place in my heart. Sonny and Nattie Strong were school mates of mine though I have not seen them in years. And, yes, I have a table in my home made by Sonny’s father. Good friends, fine neighbors will never be forgotten. Love to you all.