Lonnie Curtis Blackley Jr.

Lonnie Curtis Blackley, Jr. was born on June 6, 1949 in Spartanburg, South Carolina.

Lonnie dedicated his life to his faith, family, and artwork. He traveled the United States with his family in tow doing arts and crafts shows and exposing them to various cultures.

Lonnie was a devout Christian and fellowshipped at First Baptist Church of West College Hill. When he could no longer travel to church, he spent each Sunday leading Bible Study with his wife and grandchildren.

Those who knew Lonnie, knew that he loved to work. He began working at eight years old with Mr. Callaway, but as he grew older, he focused on body and fender work and earned a 3rd degree black belt in karate. Because of his dedication to his country, Lonnie was as a MP in the Army, taught his fellow soldiers karate, and earned a Purple Heart for his service in the Vietnam War. In addition, fitness was a foundational piece of his life, evidenced by his many years as a professional body builder once he was honorably discharged from the Army. Lonnie was a man of many talents and developed a love for photography which he used as inspiration for his artwork as a professional artist. In his pursuit of excellence, Lonnie was a graduate of the Art School of Wm. E. Gebhardt and earned an honorary master's degree from the Michigan Guild. As a proud member of the Michigan Guild, you could always catch him in one of his staple Michigan t-shirts.

He was preceded in death by his mother: Myrtle; father: Lonnie, and brother: Horace.

Lonnie was survived by his Wife: Paula Blackley, who he often referred to as his angel. He was also survived by his Children: Lonnie Blackley III, Nicki Blackley, Justin Blackley, and Kirby Overton. He will be dearly missed by his Siblings: Jean, James, and John. He will also be missed by his 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Lonnie loved his family and friends with fierce devotion.

He was a living example of hard work and discipline, and the words of wisdom he shared with those close to him will echo in their hearts forever.