Lonnie Lee Craft

Lonnie Lee Craft, 91 passed away Monday, February 17, 2014, at South Central Regional Medical Center in Laurel, MS. Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, February 21, 2014, at Memory Chapel with burial to follow at Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Jones County. Pastor Kenny McMinn will officiate. Visitation will be held 5 until 8 p.m. Thursday, February 20, at Memory Chapel. He was born in Sanford, MS on September 19, 1922, the third son of the late M. J. and Alma Riles Craft. Lonnie proudly served his country as a member of the United States Army and was honorably discharged as Corporal on January 14, 1946 with four medals. On July 20, 1945, he married Bonnie Parrett, and together they shared 65 years of faithful marriage and family life. They were active members of Life Church. Lonnie was a self-employed business person in the community for over 30 years. He was a gentle soul, man of his word, and a talented jack of all trades who especially enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening and hunting with his bird dogs in earlier years. He was a long-time fan of the New Orleans Saints and St. Louis Cardinals. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Bonnie; one sister, Vivian; and four brothers, Ben, Jeff, L.C., and James. He will be dearly missed by his daughter, Judy (Bill) Wells, Lake Wylie, SC and granddaughters, Lauren Wells, Fairhope, AL and Kendall Wells, Atlanta, GA. His surviving brothers are Junior Craft and Charles Craft, Seminary, MS. In September 2009, Lonnie and Bonnie became residents of Comfort Care Nursing Center in Laurel. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the entire staff for the love, care, and concern provided during their residency. Memorials may be directed to Life Church, P. O. Box 2395, Laurel, MS 39442. Pallbearers will be Buddy Clinton, Harvey Lofton, Dr. Rusty Stevens, Pastor Bob Taylor, Phill Wells, and Pastor Thomas Winn. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Guy, Haskell Herrington, John McDade, and long-time faithful friend, Jack Wilson. Memory Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. To view and sign the family guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Lonnie Lee Craft

September 19, 1922 - February 17, 2014