Lonnie Carrol Umberger Sr.

Lonnie Carrol Umberger, known to all who loved him simply as Carrol, was born on December 12, 1946, in Olive Branch, Mississippi, and passed away peacefully on January 2, 2026, in Bolivar, Tennessee, at Bolivar Health and Rehabilitation, surrounded by his loving family.

Carrol was a man best described by one enduring word: kind. He carried a gentle spirit, a warm smile, and a servant’s heart that spoke far louder than words ever could. Soft-spoken by nature, Carrol lived his faith, love for the Lord, and devotion to his family through quiet actions and steadfast presence.

He was educated in the public schools of Olive Branch before continuing his education at the University of Mississippi, where he proudly played football—Hotty Toddy! Carrol also served briefly in the United States Army Reserves before being honorably discharged due to a serious family health matter that called him home. After several years in sales, he went on to build and operate his own business, Computer Installation Services, a venture he led with integrity and dedication until his retirement.

Though gentle in demeanor, Carrol possessed a free spirit that came alive through his deep love for motorcycles—especially Harley-Davidsons. Nothing stirred his soul quite like the unmistakable rumble of a Harley engine. He cared meticulously for his bike and rode countless miles across the United States, both alone and with friends. Even after his health no longer allowed him to ride safely, Carrol held on to his treasured motorcycle as a symbol of the freedom, joy, and memories it represented. Many of those cherished miles were shared with his beloved wife, Phyllis, during their years as “Snow Birds” wintering in South Florida, often alongside his dear in-laws, Joe and Lynda Fullen—days filled with adventure, laughter, and memories that will last a lifetime.

Above all else, Carrol’s greatest joy was his family—especially his wife, Phyllis Harston Umberger, his devoted partner of 20 years. Their love was deep, steady, and rare. No two people ever cherished simply being together more than they did. Even when health challenges forced them to live apart for periods of time, their hearts longed endlessly for one another. Togetherness brought them peace, comfort, and happiness, and they faced life’s hardest seasons side by side, never complaining as long as they could remain united.

Carrol was the quiet guardian of his family—a protector, provider, and constant source of love. From his children to his great-grandchild, he would do anything within his power to care for them and give them the very best he could. He was always willing to give the shirt off his back, and his generosity and compassion touched countless lives.

Carrol is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Umberger of Jackson, Tennessee; his children, Lonnie Umberger Jr. (Tonya) of Olive Branch, Mississippi; Kelly Hutchens (Mike) of Union City, Tennessee; and Jay Maness of Medon, Tennessee; his grandchildren, Tyler Umberger (Haylee) of Abbeville, Mississippi; Dallas Shanks, Jamie Shanks (Jace Deaton), and Anna Shanks, all of Jackson, Tennessee; and Isabella Maness of Medon, Tennessee; and his great-grandchild, Adrian Umberger of Abbeville, Mississippi.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Otis Clinton Umberger and Emma A. Finerson Umberger, and his siblings, Jimmie C. Umberger, Samuel Harrison, and Dorothy “Dot” Rickard, all of Olive Branch, Mississippi.

After courageously battling Parkinson’s Disease for nearly eight years, Carrol’s earthly journey has ended, but his legacy of love, kindness, and quiet strength lives on. In losing Carrol, this world has lost one of its rarest and greatest gifts. We take comfort in knowing that he is now fully healed, reunited in Heaven with his beloved parents and siblings, and at peace.

A Celebration of Life for Carrol Umberger will be held at a later date, likely in the spring of 2026, when family and friends can gather to share memories and honor a life so beautifully lived.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Carrol’s honor either individually or collectively at the Celebration of Life to the Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation, supporting the mission to find a cure for the disease that took so much from this sweet man—but never his kindness, faith, or love.