Sonny Ackerman, Noted Amputee Golfer, Dies

Oliver Perry "Sonny" Ackerman Jr., Deluth, Georgia, noted amputee golfer and adaptive golf instructor, died January 20 at the age of 73.

"Sonny will always be remembered for his compassion for others, his love of sports, his keen wit, and his capacity to never meet a stranger," said an obituary placed by his family in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution January 22. "Every life he touched would be forever enriched, and each individual he met knew they would have a friend for a lifetime."

Mr. Ackerman was founder of the Adaptive Golf Foundation and a Life Member of the National Amputee Golf Association (NAGA). He won three American and three Canadian national senior amputee golf championships.

Speaking on behalf of NAGA, Bob Wilson, executive director and NAGA's "First Swing" program founder, coordinator, and instructor, said, "[Mr. Ackerman] became a First Swing instructor for NAGA and then began his own program patterned from his First Swing experience. He provided instruction to hundreds of disabled individuals over the years, passing on to them his love of the game. His enthusiasm, love of life and the great game of golf will be missed by many."

A competitive golfer with a handicap of ten, Mr. Ackerman suffered a life-changing accident. In 1984, a fall from a ladder caused a major staph infection which led to a transtibial amputation. However, after he realized he would have to adapt his swing to compensate for the loss of his leg, he made his way back to becoming the golfer he was, surpassing his own expectations.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution obituary quoted from a recent book titled, Legends: Georgians Who Lived Impossible Dreams, by Gene Asher: "&his Atlanta Athletic Club Hall of Fame plaque hangs alongside those of Bobby Jones, Charlie Yates, and Alexis Sterling. What matters most is the care and concern this native Atlantan shows for his fellow human beings."

Mr. Ackerman served in the Marine Corps and graduated from Georgia State University. He enjoyed a successful 30-year career in the Atlanta real estate market.

Mr. Ackerman was born June 15, 1932, in Preston, Georgia. He is survived by his wife, Jane Powell Ackerman; his son "Dusty" and wife Mary; daughter LuAnn and husband Hardeman Godbee; his mother, Billie Bell Ackerman; and his grandchildren: Cody and Haylie Ackerman; Billie and Jake Jones; and Perri Budd.

He was preceded in death by his father, Oliver P. Ackerman and brother, James Ackerman.

Services were held January 23 at the Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel, Norcross, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, a donation may be made to the Adaptive Golf Foundation, P.O. Box 1135, Suwanee, Georgia 30024.