Whitt, Lonnie - Lonnie Whitt
Houston Lonnie Whitt, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend passed away Saturday, July 26, 2014. He was born October 14, 1937, in Chickasaw County to Luther Ell and Janie Mae Harmon Whitt. On October 16, 1954, he married his childhood sweetheart, Bonnie Martin. They would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year.
A successful businessman, Lonnie owned and operated Houston Monument Company for over 40 years. He was extremely involved in the community as both a working man and generous leader, serving as an alderman for the City of Houston for 9 years. He was a Chickasaw County Supervisor for 12 years, and President of the Board for 8 of those years. He was also a member of the Three Rivers Board of Planning and Development and was appointed by Governor Haley Barbour to the Board of Directors of Tombigbee River Valley Water Management District. In addition, Lonnie was a Mississippi High School basketball official for over 20 years. He was loved by coaches, fellow officials, and players alike.
A true Rebel fan, Lonnie enjoyed all Ole Miss sports. He and Bonnie attended all home basketball games for many years, as well as most SEC Basketball Tournaments. An avid domino player, Lonnie rarely missed his lunch hour game. He will be greatly missed by his domino group.
More important to Lonnie than any personal contributions was his relationship with God. God was first in Lonnie s life. Always guided by his moral compass, Lonnie was an example of what a life well-lived should be. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Houston, and was many a pastor s best friend. Lonnie headed multiple church committees over the years, serving several terms as Chairman of the Board of Deacons. To the young children of the church, Lonnie was known as The Gum Man, as he regularly carried a pocket full of Juicy Fruit or Big Red to share.
Lonnie s passing leaves a void for his family that will never be filled, but we know that he is in Heaven telling his humorous stories to those friends and family members who have gone before him. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, James Wayne Whitt; and his sister, Florence Whitt Rambo. He is survived by his wife, Bonnie, his daughters, Melodie Wilkinson (Charles) of Houston and Hollie Read (Benjamin) of Dallas, Texas. Lonnie is also survived by his adored grandchildren: Shaw Sullivan, Sloan Sullivan Simmons (John), Scott Read, Jenna Read, and Rachel Read; great-grandchildren, Ryleigh Simmons and Loni Mae Simmons; step-grandchildren: Mabry Wilkinson, Zachary Wilkinson, Garrett Wilkinson. Additional survivors include his brother, Luther Ell Bully Whitt, Jr. (Joyce) , and his sisters, Alice Harmon, and Ila Mae Robinson (Harry), and by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be from 5:00 until 7:00 PM, Monday, July 28, 2014, at First Baptist Church, Houston. Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM Tuesday, July 29, 2014, at First Baptist Church, Houston with Dr. Daniel Heeringa of First Baptist , and Bro. Wayne Squyres of Merryville, LA. Graveside services will be officiated by Rev. Al Gaspard of Cookeville, TN. Pallbearers are Larry Arrington, Bobby Dodd, John Lee Lyles, Eddie Neal, Gregg Pepper, David Thomas, Glen Vance, and Tracy Whitt. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of W.W. Brand s Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church, Houston.
The family is grateful for the many friends and family members who have provided loving support during Lonnie s illness. We would like especially to thank Virginia Holladay, whose love and assistance have been a tremendous blessing this last year. Thank you also to hospice nurse Angie Schwalenberg, a true gift from God. We have been humbled by the love shown us.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 201 West Madison St., Houston, MS 38851, or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDFR) at www.jdfr.org/donate.