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BORN
1949
DIED
2024
Lonnie Gillihan Obituary
Lonnie Ray Gillihan
Mar. 14, 1949 - Mar. 11, 2024
LONGVIEW - Lonnie Ray Gillihan, 74, died March 11, 2024. Lonnie was a loving husband, father, son, brother, and friend who always wanted the best for everyone around him.
Lonnie was born March 14, 1949, in Batesville AR, the first of six sons born to Otho Ray and Verna Jane Gillihan. Lonnie arrived in Longview on his second birthday. Lonnie attended Longview Public Schools, graduating from R.A. Long High School in 1967.
Lonnie and K'Lynn Jackson were married in 1988. They shared a deep love and mutual respect. Lonnie was a devoted husband and father. Lonnie spent his career at Reynolds Metals Company, where he made lifelong friends, retiring in 1998 to devote his time to raising his and K'Lynn's two children. He was immensely proud of his daughter and son.
Lonnie had a deep faith that guided much of his life. He was a founding member of Robert Gray Baptist Church, and he spent many years in leadership roles at Valley Christian Fellowship. He loved his church family.
Lonnie endured many medical challenges during his lifetime including kidney failure. A live transplant from his brother, Tom, gave him additional decades of life to spend with his family and friends doing the things he loved including fishing, camping, and spending time with friends and family.
Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents and his brother Bobby. He is survived by his wife K'Lynn, daughter Anna, son Jackson, and brothers Roger (Carol), Tim (Joan), Tom (Glenda) and Terry (Myrna). Along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A family graveside service is planned. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of life at Robert Gray Baptist Church on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 11:00am.
In lieu of flowers and all memorial contributions can be directed to Robert Gray Baptist Church's roofing project.
Memories and Condolences
for Lonnie Gillihan
4 Entries
Donald Simmons
March 26, 2024
Am very saddened to hear of Lonnie's passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to K'lynn and the family. I would have attended his service if I had known earlier of his passing. I considered Lonnie a good friend along with his brothers and dad. Sad to see another Reynolds brother leave us.
Debbie Lydic
March 20, 2024
To my dear friend, K’Lynn and children Anna and Jackson, so blessed that God brought you two together but kept you two together for 35 years! A little help by you two also! These are the “Good “ things He blesses you with! Luv you friend! And family! Debbie
Donna Slater
March 19, 2024
My family grew up around the Gillihan family. Mom and Dad were dear friends of "Red" and Verna..wonderful Christian people who would give you the shirt off their backs. Lonnie and his brothers were no different..Lonnie always with the smile. God just made him that way. RIP Dear Brother in Christ.. Our families will meet again.
Anita Nuzum Smyth
March 17, 2024
My siblings and I grew up just down the road from all the Gillihan boys. We had the same bus stop for many years, Lonnie was a really nice boy, they all were. Sending condolences and thinking of happy days many many years ago.
Anita Nuzum Smyth
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