Lonnie F Hollingsworth

Lonnie Floyd Hollingsworth, Sr., PharmD of Lubbock, Texas, left this world for the next on January 18, 2021. He leaves behind him many loved ones and friends. He was born to Gladys Geneva and Sam Thomas Hollingsworth on May 24, 1932 in Wellington, Texas.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy Ann Barrett Hollingsworth, to whom he was married for over 60 years, his sister LaQuinta Joy Manuel and his beloved running pal, Bargo. Lonnie is survived by his children Heather Lea Hollingsworth of Dripping Springs, Lonnie Jr. and his wife Jeri Stone Hollingsworth of Austin, and grandchildren Lonnie III (Trey), Allen Stone (Rocky) and Barrett Jean Hollingsworth, along with his brother Sam Thomas Hollingsworth, Jr.

A self-made man, Lonnie worked his way through college receiving his degree in Pharmacy with Highest Honors from the University of Texas and would want you to know that he was valedictorian of his class. Prior to that, he served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean war and had the opportunity to live in Hawaii with his beautiful bride Nancy, a place they always remembered fondly and often visited. Shortly after graduating, Lonnie acquired L&H pharmacies, not named for his children but serendipitously included their initials as well as his own. Many long-time Lubbock residents will remember everything from the soda fountain, to the middle-of-the-night customer service, to the array of gifts, batteries and flashbulbs available even on Christmas Eve.

Lonnie was highly esteemed by his peers and served as the national president of the National Association of Retail Druggists (now NCPA), the Texas Pharmacy Association, and the West Texas Pharmacists Association, which he helped found. He received innumerable awards for his work as a pharmacist and a philanthropist, including being named Texas Pharmacist of the year in 1981 and 2001.

He served as Chairman of the Dean’s Advisory Council for the University of Texas School of Pharmacy and served on the Dean’s Advisory Council for the Texas Tech University School of Pharmacy. In addition to his drug stores, he acquired and developed rental real estate properties, ranging from housing to shopping centers.

He also served as a director of several banks, including City Bank of Lubbock.

A venerated elder of Lubbock, he was a man of strong faith, worshipping and serving as an adult Sunday School teacher and deacon, for a time, at Second Baptist Church.

His many philanthropic activities included working with Habitat for Humanity, for which he was honored with the Dedicated Service Award in 2011, serving as President of the Southwest Lubbock Lions Club, and providing for a University of Texas Student Professional Endowment in Pharmacy. He also served on the Lubbock City Council and as mayor Pro Tempore from 1968-1974. Lonnie was an instrumental participant in Lubbock’s recovery efforts after the May 11th tornado.

Lonnie published an autobiography, Passing This Way, in 2012, and dedicated all proceeds of its sales to Habitat for Humanity. He enjoyed running and ran a mile in each of Texas’s 254 counties and each of the 50 states.

Lonnie passed peacefully in his own chair after living gracefully with Alzheimer’s for many years. The family wishes to thank Home Instead and Kindred Hospice. A private service will be conducted at Resthaven Cemetery. A memorial service will be held later, at a time deemed safer, when his many dear friends wish to gather, share stories and celebrate Lonnie Hollingsworth’s life. There will be a public visitation from 6-8 p.m. at Resthaven Funeral Home. Masks and social distancing will be mandatory.

In lieu of flowers, please direct memorial contributions to Habitat for Humanity, Second Baptist Church of Lubbock, the Alzheimer’s Association or the Humane Society.