Lonnie Leandris Cockerham, Jr. (a.k.a. "June") was born in Winston-Salem, NC to the late Lonnie William Cockerham and the late Nellie Bailey Cockerham on October 22, 1933.  He was the second of nine children.  At the age of 83, Lonnie joined our loving Savior on the morning of Saturday, September 2, 2017.

During his early life, Lonnie developed strong leadership skills as a troop leader with the Boy Scouts. After graduation from Atkins High School in Winston-Salem, Lonnie enlisted in the US Navy, where he served his country with dedication and genuine patriotism.  Having received an honorable discharge after four years of military service, Lonnie immediately enrolled at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (A&T), where he matriculated and earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration.

After a long courtship, Lonnie married his sweetheart, Lucille Johnson in December 1958. Together, they built a strong marriage that lasted for 58 years; a sturdy home that has stood for 54 years; and raised a happy family who cherishes him and will miss him dearly.

Lonnie had an insatiable work ethic. He was employed by the United States Postal Service in Winston-Salem for 20 years, where he served as Supervisor of Mails until retirement in 1988.  He and Lucille, a registered nurse, also opened and operated Quint-L Family Care Home for sixteen years in Advance, NC. Together, they served many elderly residents with great empathy and quiet dignity. After closing the business, Lonnie employed his carpentry skills and converted the rest home into apartments.

Lonnie also enjoyed being involved in community and family activities.  He organized the Winston-Salem Chapter of A&T Alumni Association where he served as president for a number of years. He was a faithful member of Smith Grove A. M. E. Zion Church in Davie County and a long-time student of, and spiritual leader within, the Rosicrucian Order AMORC.

A man who was blessed with many gifts, Lonnie had an infectious smile, a healthy sense of humor, and a welcoming handshake. For leisure time, Lonnie enjoyed family activities, reading, golfing, gardening, carpentry, fishing, hunting, singing, and dancing; although his greatest joy in life could easily be described as just taking quiet walks with his beloved Lucille – hands interlocked. Lonnie never seemed too busy or too overwhelmed to assist friends and strangers in-need as well as offer his wisdom and guidance to family members.

Lonnie is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Lucille; daughters, Letitia Cockerham and Laura Cockerham Bush (James); son, Dr. Lonnie Cockerham II; grandchildren, Alysha Henry and Lawrence Henry; brothers, Wilbert Cockerham, Bernard Cockerham, Sr., Haven Cockerham, Sr. (Terry); sisters, Rev. Doris Winford, Arzell Greene, Dr. Frances Maske-Waller, Emma Jean Pitts, and Rev. Patricia Turner (William).  Also mourning his loss is a host of nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends.

Homegoing services will be held at 12:00noon Saturday, September 9, 2017 at the Russell Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. William Turner officiating. Interment will follow in Westlawn Gardens of Memory, Clemmons, NC. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12:00noon on Saturday at the Chapel. A repast reception will follow the services.