Lonnie White passed away May 2, 2023, at his home in Leesburg, Florida. He was 85. He was born in the family cabin in Maryville, Tennessee, on April 15, 1938. He was one of seven children born to his parents, Edward and Willie Mae White.
The family moved to Leesburg in 1941 following the death of his father. Since the age of 3, Lonnie has called Leesburg home. He is preceded in death by his parents; five brothers: W.C. ”Bill” White, James White, Ray White, Herbert Hoover White, W. Kenneth White; and his sister, Helen Bass.
He attended Lee School as a youngster and later Leesburg High School, where he played four years of varsity baseball and met Sylvia Davenport from Fruitland Park, Florida. The soon-to-be couple graduated together in 1957, and were later married in November of 1958.
Lonnie spent nearly 30 years working for Sears. He started with the company in downtown Leesburg in the 1960s with the automotive department, and later rounded out his career in outside sales of the home-improvement division. After retiring from Sears, he spent another 15 years working as the estimator for Bud Gordon Roofing in Leesburg.
He enjoyed playing all sports but was particularly fond of baseball. He followed the Philadelphia Athletics spring training and minor leagues as a young boy hanging around the ballpark at Venetian Gardens. He later played in semi-pro leagues after high school, including the Lake-Orange League.
He was a member of Morrison United Methodist Church. He enjoyed managing the church’s softball team in the 1970s and ‘80s, coaching baseball, playing golf with his friends, and traveling with his family.
Lonnie is survived by his wife of 64 years, Sylvia; his son Bradley Lon White (Cheri), Lady Lake, Florida; his daughter, Elizabeth Deann White (Allen), Lady Lake; grandchildren Rachel Whetstone, Fruitland Park, Blake White, Tavares, Florida; Daven White, Rome, Georgia; Melissa Hitchcock, Lady Lake; Emily White, Tampa; Kaylee White, Summerfield, Florida; and seven great grandchildren.
Memorial Service will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Morrison United Methodist Church, Leesburg, FL
Flowers are always appreciated or contributions can be made to one of the following:
Lake Sumter Children’s Advocacy Center
Florida United Methodist Children’s Home
Global Ministries-UMCOR
