Lonnie Burleson, Jr.

Lonnie Burleson, Jr., 88, of Bessemer City, passed away January 29, 2015 at Robin Johnson House in Dallas. He was born June 27, 1926 in Stanly County, the son of the late, Lonnie Cornelius Burleson, Sr. and Emma Louise Burleson. Lonnie loved "his town", Bessemer City and was voted Citizen of the year in 1999 and served in many Bessemer City organizations; such as the Beautification Committee, Centennial Committee and a member of the Historical and Arts Committee. He was a member of Bessemer City ABC Board and served as Secretary on the NC State ABC Board. He enjoyed making wine and walking canes. He was a WWII veteran of the US Navy where he served aboard the USS Omaha and retired from the US Postal service. Lonnie was a life member of the American Legion Post 243 where for 35 years would organize the Boys & Girls state awards at Bessemer City High School where he graduated from. He helped to organize the Honor Guard. He also was the past president of the council at the Grace Lutheran Church in Bessemer City where he was a member. Left to cherish his memories are his son, Ron Burleson of Bessemer City; daughter, Iris Phillips and husband, Kenneth of Lawndale; grandchildren, Debbie Buckner and husband, Lon, Tim Phillips and wife, Shelley, Rendi Powers and husband, Brandon, Shane Burleson and wife, Lisa; great-grandchildren, Christy White and husband, C.J., Taylor Buckner, Cody Burleson and wife, Maddie, Tensli Powers, Megan Freeman, and Madison Freeman and great-great grandchildren, Dakota and Chase White. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife, Bernell Burleson; three brothers and five sisters. A celebration of life service will be held 3 pm Sunday at Grace Lutheran Church - 206 North 14th Street, Bessemer City, officiated by the Revs. Libby Toler and Fred Mitschke. Inurnment is private. Memorials may be made to Grace Lutheran Church - 206 North 14th Street, Bessemer City, NC 28016 or Gaston Hospice (The Robin Johnson House) - PO Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28054. Arrangements are with the South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service and Crematorium, Gastonia.