Obituary
Luther M. Fussell, lovingly known as “Sonny”, passed away at his
home in Daytona Beach, surrounded by his family on September 6th,
2025 at the age of 79. He was born in El Paso, Texas, but moved to
Daytona Beach as an infant where he made his lifelong home. His
early years were spent living at his parent’s hotel known as Fussells
Breezeway Motel & Cottages.
Sonny was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He is survived
by his loving wife Suzi, his stepson Benjamin Hoadley,
stepdaughter Christina, son-in-law Dino and three beloved
grandchildren, Domiano, Marcello and Soleil Vicaro. He is
predeceased by his son, John Fussell.
Sonny was a man of deeply held Christian faith who had many talents,
passions and hobbies. He was an avid motorcyclist who found joy and
freedom on the open road. His passion for riding/racing began as a
young teen when he traveled Europe on a racing team. He then
opened his own motorcycle shop in his late 20’s. He also loved to surf
and designed and made surfboards during these years. In the 80’s
early 90’s he raced cars and motorcycles on the high banks at
Daytona Speedway.
Another very interesting part of Sonny’s early life was his love of
music. He attended Seabreeze High School along with Gregg and
Duane Allman and was part of their early band called the “Uniques”.
Sonny remained friends with Gregg throughout his life and attended
many wonderful music festivals and shows of the Allman Brothers
Band.
He and Suzi spent many years sailing together, racing and winning
with their beloved boat “Hallelujah” in the HRYC offshore summer
racing series from 1986 to 2004. They also enjoyed cruising to the
Bahamas numerous times. In the late 1990’s they lived aboard their
boat until they sold it in 2010. During that time he won the
Daytona/Bermuda Trans At race in 1995 and became Commodore of
the Halifax River Yacht Club in 1996. From 2004-2019 Sonny and
Suzi enjoyed 16 yearly motorcycle trips throughout the western region
of our country, including the Pacific Coast Highway into Washington
State. Sonny’s final solo ride was October 2024 all the way to
California and back. He is and always will be our “Midnight Rider”.
Sonny took great pride and care in his lifelong career as an
outstanding car salesman at Holton, Lloyd and Ritchey dealerships,
winning salesman of the year countless times. Ask any of his
co-workers and they will say he is a legend and will be deeply missed
by his friends, co-workers and life-long customers. It was his nature to
go above and beyond for anyone who knew him.
Sonny’s greatest joy and pride was his family. He was a devoted
husband, father and Pop Pop to his three grandchildren. He made
efforts to enjoy any and all events surrounding his kid’s and
grandchildren’s accomplishments. Sonny lived a very full life, leaving
behind a legacy of strength and care that will be remembered by all
who loved him. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all
who were lucky enough to know him.
A Celebration of Life is being planned with more information to follow as soon as possible.
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