Lonnie Gudger Jr.

Born May 13, 1966, to the late Lonnie Gudger, Sr. and Treva Posey-Edmonds, “Lon Lon,”

as he was affectionately called, showed extraordinary musical abilities at an early age by rhythmically beating, tapping and drumming on any and everything around him. He enjoyed playing football and basketball from little leagues to high school. After graduating from Greeneville High School in 1985, Lon was honored to join the World Class, two time DCI World Champion competitive drum and bugle corps, his beloved Madison Scouts, in 1986. He played the biggest drum on the field in the drumline. He was PROUD to be a Madison Scout. It was one of the highest points of his life. Hosting the Scouts for rehearsals in his hometown one year was one of his greatest joys. After touring with the Scouts, he studied music at Middle Tennessee State University completing his education at East Tennessee State University where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Upon graduating from E.T.S.U, he was immediately hired as the band director at Laurel Park High School in Martinsville, Virginia. He cherished this position and held it close to his heart. His health began to fail which forced him to return to Greeneville to be closer to family, but he remained in close contact with his many of his wonderful Laurel Park students.

Lonnie was an excellent musician, teacher, writer, educator and leader. As an assistant Band Director at Greeneville Middle School, he loved and cared for his students, constantly working to help them achieve their goals and encouraging them to be their BEST selves. His caring expertise will be missed in the world of education.

He and his family became active worshippers at Freedom Fellowship Greeneville, but as a youth, Lon gave his life to Christ and was an active member of Friendship Baptist Church and was an intricate part of the music ministry as the church percussionist. In later years, he formed an ensemble of young musicians and dubbed them “Symphonic Praise”.

Very few knew Lonnie had a beautiful voice. He was asked to be the soloist for a project produced at The University of Tennessee on a haunting ballad titled “They Will Be Remembered” a song honoring fallen police officers. In 1995, he traveled to Washington, DC for the live performance of its debut.

On February 26, 1993, Lonnie crossed into the illustrious brotherhood of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. He was affectionately given the name “Baloo” because of his 6’8” towering stature and always jovial disposition. Being a “Man of Distinction” was as dear to his heart as was being a Gudger. Becoming an Alpha Man was an accomplishment he strived for and earned on his own for himself. He truly exemplified the aims of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity: Manly Deeds, Scholarship and LOVE for ALL Mankind!

Lon was an avid bowler and loved following the Scouts and was passionate about fishing and grilling (all year around).

Lonnie was predeceased by his father, Lonnie Gudger, Sr.; maternal Grandparents John H. and Minnie L. Posey and paternal Grandparents Dayton Gudger and Aletta Gudger.

He will be lovingly cherished and remembered by his devoted wife of 16 years, Jolie Guthrie-Gudger, children Lonnie “Trey” Gudger, III and Adaya Lily Gudger, mother Treva and “bonus” dad William Edmonds, sister Dawana (Roy) Gudger-Richardson, “little“ sisters Elise Edmonds and Erin (Jamie) Edmonds-West, God-sister Portia (DeAngelo) Dennis-Jones, God-brother Andrelle Mills, niece Tabia Richardson, nephews Tobias Richardson and Tai Edmonds and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.

Lonnie was a gentle giant with a big presence, but an even bigger heart.

Those who knew him, even briefly, lost a shining light in their lives. He is already sorely missed.

A celebration of Lonnie’s life will be held on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at Freedom Fellowship Greeneville located at 3144 West Andrew Johnson Highway, Greeneville, TN. 37743, Pastor Scott Childs, Lead Pastor.

Visitation is from 10:00 am-1:00 pm with the service beginning at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the scholarship fund created for the continuing education of his two children, Lonnie Gudger, III and Adaya Lily, at First Horizon Bank 206 North Main Street, Greeneville, TN (423) 798-2210.

Kiser-Rose Hill is in charge of the arrangements.