From
Nov 21, 2006, page 16 - Winston-Salem Journal at Newspapers.com:
3029SOOMANMr. Alex James Sooman, sometimes known as “AJ,” “Al,” “Denali,” Al, Ralph, “Rev. Ralph,” and “Papasan,” died Sunday, Nov. 19, 2006, at Forsyth Medical Center. Mr. Sooman was born in Chicago, IIl., on Sept. 28, 1918. He was a World War II Navy veteran. Mr. Sooman worked hard and lived life to the fullest. He loved to travel. He especially enjoyed traveling to Alaska and Las Vegas. He built a pergola at the age of 85. He was full of life and enjoyed people. Mr. Sooman was preceded in death by his first wife, Peggy Sooman, and his second wife, Marguerite Sooman. Mr. Sooman is survived by two daughters, Peggy S. Lyle and husband Richard of Pfafftown and Beverly S. Hodges and husband Jerry of King; grandchildren, Sheri Burchette and husband Todd, Jeffrey Burton, Jason Hodges and wife Ginger, and Brandon Hodges; three great-grandchildren; his beloved dog, Boots; and a dear friend, Mildred Darnell. A memorial service will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 22, at Community United Church of Christ, with the Rev. Steve Monroe officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. today, Nov. 21, at Salem Funeral Home on South Main Street. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Community United Church of Christ Building Fund, 3410 Community Church Road, Pfafftown, NC 27040.