Lonnie D. Gailey Jr. was born on August 29, 1926, in a farmhouse in Alto, Georgia, into a small, hardworking family of American Indian and Scotch-Irish descent. His class graduated from Toccoa High School after the 11th grade, like many of the Greatest Generation, to help with the war effort. After high school, Lonnie joined the United States Navy and began a career that spanned thirty years. Over his career, he served both as an enlisted sailor and as an officer. His time of service included World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam.
While stationed in Memphis, Tennessee, Lonnie met the love of his life - Mary Gailey. They married May 4, 1953, and enjoyed military life along with their two children. Over his career, his family lived in various locations, including Panama, Bermuda, Tennessee, California, Maryland, Hawaii, and ultimately Georgia, where he retired as a Lieutenant Commander at NAS Glynco in 1974. Not being one to sit still, Lonnie was involved in various business endeavors following his military retirement, which ultimately led to him becoming a Broker with Century 21.
In addition to being a dedicated husband, father, and caring provider, Lonnie also served God with unwavering faith after giving his life to the Lord on August 23, 1970. Shortly after, he and his family joined Bible Baptist Church. He was a natural leader who served as a song leader, deacon, treasurer and mentor for over 50 years.
Lonnie went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 29, just shy of turning 95 years old. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Florence Gailey; his parents, Lonnie D. Gailey Sr. and Susie Clark; and his sister, Lucille Gailey Hayden. He is survived by his daughter Cynthia Gailey Morin of Brunswick and son Alan Lee Gailey (Cathy) of Chattahoochee Hills; grandson Isaac Morin (Bethany) and their children Ava, Addison, Luke, and Abigail; granddaughter Hannah Morin Ferrell (Jarred) and their children Peyton, Frankie, Knox, Beau, and Sutton; granddaughter Brittany Gailey Stalnaker (Trey) and grandson Kenneth Gailey.
A celebration of Lonnie's life and his love for the Lord will take place at Bible Baptist Church on Saturday, August 7, 2021at 10:00 AM. Pastor Mike Landrum and Pastor Isaac Morin (Inland Hills Baptist Church of Anaheim, CA) will officiate the service centered on one of his favorite Bible verses that guided his life: "I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." Romans 12:1-2
Pallbearers will honor Lonnie by carrying him in and out of the church. They will include Alan Gailey, Kenneth Gailey, Isaac Morin, Trey Stalnaker, Kirk Branch, Clayton Edgy, Ernie Knight, John Lane, and Jeff Miller. His Sunday school class, The Disciples, are honorary pallbearers. He will be laid to rest in a private family gathering following the celebration service. May each of us strive to live a Godly legacy like that of Lonnie Devro Gailey Jr.
Edo Miller and Sons is in charge of the arrangements. You may sign the register book and leave condolences for the family at www.edomillerandsons.com
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