Lonnie Gilley, Sr.

Lonnie Allen Gilley, Sr. of Ragley went to be with the Lord on Thursday December 10, 2020 at 11:09am in his home, surrounded by his loving family.

He was a kind and patient husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather who loved his family and friends whole heartedly.

Lonnie was born to James Murl Gilley and Mary Elizabeth (Downs) Gilley on July 24, 1937 in Lake Charles, La.  

He graduated from Marion High School in 1955 where he played football and threw shotput.

He attended McNeese University before entering the US Air Force, where he served for four years.   Lonnie briefly worked for KPLC after leaving the service, then entered the US Postal Service and began a successful 32 year career as a civil servant, starting as a much-loved letter carrier by all on his routes and rising to Manager of Customer Service in Lake Charles.  His Postal career also included being the manager of the first post office in Moss Bluff, as well as Post Master at the Post Office in Jennings before retiring in 1992. 

Lonnie enjoyed his hobbies of working on the land around his house in Ragley, woodworking in his shop, and fishing, grilling, boating, skiing and entertaining family and friends at his camp on the West Fork of the Calcasieu River.  He always enjoyed coaching football and baseball, as well as riding motorcycles with his children.  But his favorite pastime was without a doubt his music and dancing.

Lonnie is survived by 2 daughters, Teresa Weidig (Chuck), and Trina Gilley; 1 son Lonnie Gilley Jr. (Patricia); 10 Grandchildren: Ryan Gilley (Celeste), Caitlin Denman (Derek), Candice Hicks (Chase), Evan Gilley (Nikki), Will Weidig (Lindsay), Cody Gilley (Cammy), Cameron Gilley, Joseph Gilley, Tony Mayo (Jessica), Matt Mayo; and 16 Great Grandchildren: Dayton, Hadleigh, and Maddyn Hicks; Luke, Cooper, and Wes Gilley; Charlie Weidig; Simon Denman; Maci and Hadleigh Gilley; Miri and Harlyn Gilley; Addison, Lanie, and Paisley Mayo; and Lilly Mayo.  He is also survived by a brother Gordon (Lisa) and his special friend Lynda Trahan.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years Ann Gilley, a son David Gilley, his parents, and a sister Norma Jean Boudreaux.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 10:00 am at Johnson Funeral Home of Moss Bluff.  Rev. Richard Rials will officiate. Burial will follow at Old Ritchie Cemetery.   Visitation will be on Monday December 14 at Johnson Funeral Home in Moss Bluff from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and will continue on Tuesday December 15, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.