Lonnie F. Tant Jr., 74, passed away Saturday, June 19, 2021, after a long fought illness. Lonnie was a devoted son, father, brother, grandfather, great grandfather and uncle. He was a long time coach for boys’ baseball with the Memphis Park Commission League, the American Legion and some church related leagues. He was a Memphis Policeman for several years and had a long career in car sales in the north Mississippi area. He is best known for his restaurant, Lonnie Tant’s Italia Pizza Cafe in Southaven, Mississippi, and was fondly known as the “Mayor of Goodman Road”. Over the last fifteen years Lonnie had the reputation of treating everyone like family. He never met a stranger and always greeted everyone with either a handshake, a smile or hug. Lonnie was truly one of a kind.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his father, Lonnie F. Tant, Sr. and his mother, Alice Frances Tant. He is survived by his son; Marty Tant (Laura) one daughter; Tina Tant, one brother; Steve Tant (Lenore), two sisters; Sharon Fowler and Sandra Arnett Collier (Reno), two grandchildren; Nickolas Tant, (Splaressa), Brandi Kottkamp (Rush), two great grandchildren; Azriel and Alexander; 11 nieces and nephews; and 14 great nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, June 23, 2021 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, June 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at Family Funeral Care, 4925 Summer Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, 38122. Interment services to follow at Memphis Memory Gardens at 6444 Raleigh Lagrange Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38134.
Flowers are cordially accepted. In addition, donations may be forwarded to the Southaven Animal Shelter at 5813 Pepper Chase Dr. in Southaven, Mississippi, 38671.
