WINSTON SALEM, N.C. — Robert A. “Sonny” Friis, Has departed on his last deployment to sail the seven seas for all of eternity …

Services for Mr. Friis, who died Saturday, May 22, 2010, at the Hospice of the Piedmont, will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at J.C. Green and Sons Funeral Home in Winston Salem.

Mr. Friis was born Jan. 14, 1955, in Millington, Tenn., the son of Robert A.A. Friis and Mary Frances Friis. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for 23 and one half years before retiring in 1998 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. After retiring from the Navy, he continued to serve his country at Oceana Naval Base working on ships and naval equipment. He also worked at GEICO, Custom Tops and Towers and Vanwin Coatings of Virginia. Upon retiring he enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, granddaughters and close friends. The rest of his time was spent doing what he loved so much, watching NASCAR and college football and actively fishing and playing golf.

He was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and fought hard to beat the odds with a strong spirit and positive attitude. He was greatly loved by all and will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of 27 years, Auralie “Sugie” Friis; two children, Jennifer and husband, Travis, of London, England and Kenny and wife, Allison, of Atlanta; their daughters, Kayla, 5 and Lexi, 1; and his parents of Macon, Ga.

The family is most grateful for the ongoing love and support of his family, friends, and the kindness and generosity of Hospice of the Piedmont.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 1803 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC or visit www.hospice-careconnection.org.

Online condolences may be sent to www.jcgreenandsons.com. Family and friends are invited to 5513 Summer Hill Lane in Winston Salem following the service for his life celebration.