Claude P. "Sonny" Ainsworth died peacefully at home Friday, August 2, 2024.  Sonny was born in Chapel Hill, Mississippi to Daisy and Anselm "A.J." Ainsworth in 1937.  He was a lifelong resident of Bolton. After graduating from Hinds High School, Sonny joined the Navy in 1956 and served for four years as an aviation machinist mate.  His Navy years took him to Memphis, the Great Lakes, San Diego, Midway Island and on a Far Eastern cruise aboard the U.S.S. Lexington.

A few years after returning home, he met and married Carolyn Holliday.  Over the next 60+ years, Sonny and Carolyn raised a son, enjoyed road trips throughout the country, and hosted numerous family gatherings at their Bolton home.  He retired after 35 years with the Hinds County Maintenance Department, where he earned the nickname "Speck".

Sonny and Carolyn traveled regularly to Colorado, Wyoming and California, to attend Chuckwagon Jamboree events, enjoy the natural scenery and visit friends and family.  He appreciated good country music and good, dry humor.

Other favorite vacations included walking across the headwaters of the Mississippi River, visiting Niagara Falls and the Royal Gorge (Colorado).

For decades, Sonny's daily routine included visiting with his coffee group. In younger years, they met after work for a cup of coffee on their way home. After retirement, each day began with a coffee club gathering – some days required a second meeting in the afternoon.  Lifelong friendships were made and world problems were solved over many cups of coffee.

Sonny is survived by his wife of over 60 years, Carolyn, his son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Amy Ainsworth, and cousins, nieces and nephews.  He will also be greatly missed by his 'grand-dogs', Oscar and Fred.  And, of course, his coffee friends.

Visitation is at Bolton Baptist Church, Wednesday, August 7, 10-11am, followed by a memorial service at 11am. Burial services will be at a later date, to be determined.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sonny's memory to the American Heart Association.