MANSFIELD: To Lonnie Gillam Jr., farming was not just a job, it was a way of life, it was all he knew….and he loved it. Lonnie Gillam Jr., 78, of Mansfield passed away Friday April 12, 2024 following a brief illness.
The son of Lonnie Gillam Sr., and Rosie (Spillman) Gillam, Jr. was born May 14, 1945 in Carter County Kentucky. At nine years old he moved to Mansfield. Born into a family of generational farmers, Jr. learned and cultivated a strong work ethic from his father. As a young man he began running the family farm. He loved working the land, fixing machinery, and appreciated the simplicities in life.
Jr. loved polka music, especially “Big Joe’s Polka”, which aired each Friday evening. Jr. also enjoyed gospel music, classic westerns, and tinkering on his farm.
He will be remembered for his honesty and outspokenness. Jr. called it as he saw it, and along the way used numerous “Uncle Jr.-isms” when conveying his thoughts!
He is survived by his sister-in-law Roberta Jo Gillam; special nieces and caregivers Betty Gillam Brown and Kristy Gillam Hamilton; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and great nieces and great nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by three sisters Madeline Richmond, Thelma Ivy, and Ona Justice, seven brothers James, Elijah, Isaac, Verlin, Earon, Arch, and Moses Gillam.
Funeral services celebrating the life of Lonnie Gillam Jr. will be held Friday, April 19, 2024 at 12 noon in the Lexington Avenue Snyder Funeral Home where his family will receive friends two hours prior, from 10 am – 12 noon. His nephew Pastor Jerald Duane Ivy will officiate and burial will follow in Mansfield Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children Hospital.
Online condolences may be made by visiting: SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Home
Website: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com