Alphonso Zomie Wadley, Sr., 75, of St. Augustine, entered the sunset of life on Friday, November 8, 2024 at his residence.

Alphonso "Cooney" Zomie Wadley, Sr., the son of Zomie Lee and Louise (Sweet) Wadley, was born on Saturday, October 15, 1949 at East Coast Hospital, St. Augustine. He was educated in the St. Johns County School District at Webster Elementary School and R.J. Murray High School. During his high school years, he was an awesome basketball player. At an early age, he accepted Christ as his personal Savior. On January 27, 1996, he was united in marriage to Donita Pearson and they were married for nearly 29 years. Alphonso was a faithful member of New Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, and loved serving on the Usher Board and marching the choir around during the offering with passion and gusto. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them as often as possible until his health declined. Alphonso didn't have any hatred in his heart for anyone. He was a brave and strong man who endured chemotherapy and radiation like a champ. He prayed to God faithfully until the end and asked for forgiveness. He never gave up on God and God never gave up on him. He could build just about anything and was a longtime employee of DESCO Marine. He held numerous positions throughout his career and subsequently retired from the St. Johns County School District after serving 15 years at Crookshank Elementary School.

He loved working with tools and could repair just about anything that he set out to repair. He was a loving and wonderful grandfather and step-father who would do anything for the children whenever they needed him. He was a loving husband and companion who loved to shop and loved going to restaurants. He didn't like to take his food out because he had memories of the times that blacks weren't allowed to eat inside. He participated in the civil rights marches that occurred with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and shared many memories of those events, both good and bad. He loved taking pictures, making memories, and riding his scooter all over St. Augustine. He would also be seen relaxing in his recliner. He loved sharing food from the food giveaways. He was a wonderful man and provider who will most certainly be missed by family and friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by his step-daughter, Delores "Dede" Pearson; four sisters and one brother.

Alphonso leaves to cherish his memories: devoted wife, Donita Pearson Wadley; sons and daughter, Alphonso "Little Cooney" Wadley, Jr., Sean "Fade" Wadley, Shawna Ferrell, all of St. Augustine; step-children, Robyn (David) Nimmons, Clayton Duncan; brother, James "Buddy" Wadley; sisters, Ernestine Floyd, Lessie Whitty; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; cousin, Queenie Mae Daise; brothers-in-law, Anthony "Tony" (Phyllis) Pearson, Sr., James Terrance Pearson, Sr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.