Lonnie Talmage DuBose

September 22, 1943 – October 26, 2025

Beloved Husband, Father, Friend, and Guardian of Nature

Lonnie Talmage DuBose, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Lakeland, Florida, on Sunday, October 26, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Lonnie was born on September 22, 1943, in Brewton, Alabama, to Orbie and Nurvie (Hattaway) DuBose. He was a proud and a lifelong Crimson Tide fan — Roll Tide!

From an early age, Lonnie found joy and purpose in the great outdoors. He was out of the house before sunrise and rarely came in before dark, always finding peace in nature and friendship along the way. He never met a stranger, and everyone who crossed his path left feeling like an old friend. His kindness, easygoing nature, and positive spirit were constants in a world that too often rushes past such simple grace.

Many knew and loved Lonnie from his years of hard work and friendly service at Badcock, LaSalle Bristol, and later at the Lakeland Racetrack and Mud Hole, where he became known for selling the best-tasting peanuts in Polk County — and for never missing an opportunity to strike up a conversation. Whether behind a counter or on a trail, Lonnie’s warmth and sincerity made everyone feel welcome.

Lonnie was more than a husband and father — he was the heart of his family. He was a devoted partner to his beloved wife, the late Betty Yonce-Strickland DuBose, and their marriage stood as a shining example of love, partnership, and faith. His love for Betty was steadfast and true, and together they built a family grounded in compassion, laughter, and strength.

A hardworking and dedicated provider, Lonnie worked long hours to ensure his wife and family were cared for. He never complained, never spoke ill of others, and always found something to be grateful for. His quiet integrity and gentle heart inspired everyone who knew him.

To his friends and the community at Circle B Bar Reserve, Lonnie was more than a familiar face — he was its soul. Known for his love of wildlife and his famous owl photos from Lake Parker, Lonnie shared his passion for nature with anyone willing to listen. Each morning at sunrise, he could be found walking the trails with a trash bag in hand — not out of obligation, but out of love for the land he cherished. His quiet dedication kept the trails clean, the habitats safe, and the community close.

As one friend shared, “Lonnie DuBose was more than a familiar face at Circle B — he was its heart. His love for nature wasn’t just a pastime; it was a calling.” Others remember him as a “sweet man who will be dearly missed,” “a true gentleman,” and “a friend whose memory will never fade.”

Lonnie touched lives wherever he went — on the trails, at breakfast, or through a simple wave and smile. He was living proof that a good heart can leave a legacy far greater than words can describe.

Now, as the sun rises over the marshes of Circle B and the owls call from the cypress trees, we know Lonnie’s spirit lingers there — in every rustle of the wind, every golden sunrise, and every act of quiet kindness.

Lonnie will be forever loved, remembered, and missed by all who knew him. May he rest peacefully, reunited with Betty, walking the trails of heaven — and finding all the owls along the way.

Preceded in Death By:

His beloved wife, Betty Yonce-Strickland DuBose; his son, Lonnie Robert “Buddy” DuBose; his parents, Orbie and Nurvie DuBose; his grandson, James David “Jamie” Suber; and siblings Dalton Millard “Bill” DuBose, Eunice Duffell, K.C. Daniel “Dan” DuBose, Mattie Lois Hoague, Johnny Ray DuBose, and Elizabeth Ann Gipson.

Survived By:

His brother, Thomas DuBose; children Lisa Parrish, Bryan DuBose, and Vicky Belzer; stepchildren Debbie Blackerby, Patty Nestor, Janice Stone, and Joe Strickland.

Grandchildren Jennifer Suber, Trevor Veasey, Chris Strickland, Stephen Marsh, Stephen Stone, Tommy Cloud, Mark Belzer, Stephanie Luallen, Rachel Strickland, Melissa Cole, Josh Belzer, Tonya Hill, Trinidy Bowers, Kenny Nestor Jr., Joey Strickland, Aaron Strickland, and Nathan Strickland — along with many, many, many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, all of whom will carry his memory in their hearts.

Services:

Lonnie was laid to rest at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens, 2200 K-Ville Ave, Auburndale, Florida, on October 31, 2025, at 9:00 a.m.

A celebration of life will be planned in the near future to honor and remember the wonderful man he was.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to Circle B Bar Reserve through the Fish and Wildlife Foundation of Florida or the Friends of the Circle B Bar Reserve organization — a fitting tribute to Lonnie’s lifelong love of nature and his dedication to preserving it for others to enjoy.