Lonnie Willis Dickerson, Jr.

Lonnie Willis Dickerson Jr. went to his home in heaven to be with Jesus on June 22, 2024. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024 at 12:00 PM at Nation’s Church, 8780 Macon Hwy, Athens, GA 30606. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 AM until the service time. 

Lonnie was born on January 29, 1944 in Athens, GA and graduated from Athens High. He went to the University of Georgia where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Education degree with an emphasis on recreation & parks administration. 

Lonnie’s career in this field began when he was employed with the recreation department in the early 60’s as the director of the very popular teen center at Memorial Park. He then became employed at the Cobb County Recreation Department. After Cobb County, he filled the vacant position of director of recreation in Athens where he served for close to 21 years until his early retirement in 1993. He then became the Director of Recreation in Commerce, Ga, where he served for over 10 years until he completely retired in 2004.

During his career, Lonnie was responsible for initiating several popular programs such as the downtown Athens Christmas Parade, an Annual Arts Festival, and the Star-Spangled Classic held annually on July 4th. He also oversaw the development of several athletic programs among countless other successful programs. 

Lonnie also oversaw the construction of several new parks like Bishop Park, Lay Park, and East Athens Park. Under his watch, Holland Sports Complex was built. He was also responsible for turning the Lyndon House playground into a successful arts center. 

Needless to say, Lonnie had a major impact on the citizens of Athens Clarke County during his career.

However, Lonnie’s greatest impact was not in an earthly city or county; it was in the kingdom of God. 

Lonnie was dramatically born again in 1975, where his life was totally turned around. After this life-transformation, Lonnie told everyone he could about Jesus, being the kind of witness the Lord desires out of all His children. 

Lonnie served in various churches in the Athens area, being a leader and an “evangelist” in the purest sense of the word. Lonnie’s heart was always that the Lord be glorified, loved, and celebrated. The testimonies of lives that were impacted through his witness are countless, and his reward in heaven today is truly great. 

Lonnie was an excellent husband to the love of his life, Cynthia. He was the greatest father to his two children, Angie and Trey. He was a proud “Papa” of all four of his grandsons. And he was a great friend to so many. Lonnie enjoyed playing golf and he loved his Georgia Bulldogs. But nothing could rival the love he had for his Lord. As he often said, Jesus was his everything and now today, he has his one desire – to dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of His life. 

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, Lonnie Willis Dickerson Sr. and Frances Whitehead Smith.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Cynthia Dickerson; daughter Angie Jordan (Scott) and son Lonnie Dickerson III “Trey” (Shannon); grandchildren, Jack Jordan (19), Josh Jordan (17), Levi Dickerson (17) and Jacob Jordan (16); and sister Wynette Sullivan; along with several other extended family members. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lonnie’s home church, Church 316 @ PO Box 1316 Watkinsville GA 30677 . 

Lord & Stephens Funeral Home, EAST, Athens is entrusted with arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com.