Lonnie Fox, 83, of Statesville, N.C., and formerly of Mayville, N.Y, passed away at Catawba Valley Medical Center in Hickory, N.C., surrounded by family, on December 15, 2024. He was born on June 27, 1941, in Dunkirk, N.Y., to the late Russel and Coralie (McBratnie) Fox.
When Lonnie was a teenager, he tanned hides for a neighbor, Ross Haviland, and worked in the grapes for the Armfelts, just up the road a piece. Over the years he held different jobs, but you would most likely find him behind the wheel of a big truck. His last employment was with Hanson Aggregates in Dunkirk, N.Y., before his retirement.
Lonnie will fondly be remembered for his love of family and the many friends he made along his life’s journey. In his younger years he spent a lot of time with his grandpa, Archie McBratnie, and found his love of trains. In later years, you could find him down by the tracks on N. Gale Street in Westfield, N.Y., with other train enthusiasts, enjoying each other’s company and a BBQ, waiting for the trains to go through.
Lonnie attended Westfield Academy and Central School, Westfield, N.Y., Class of 1959. Upon graduation, he enlisted and proudly served in the United States Air Force.
Lonnie is survived by his companion of 13 years, Linda Fox. He is further survived by brothers, Randy (Cindy) Fox of Plantation, Fla., and Kevin (Marty) Fox of Lily Dale, N.Y.; sister, Dianna (Roger) Williams of Mayville, N.Y.; and sister-in-law, Audrey (Davis) Fox of Bronx, N.Y. Lonnie is further survived by many nieces and nephews, and great nieces and nephews.
Besides his parents, Lonnie was predeceased by infant sister, Donna Mae Fox; brother, Russel (Rusty) Fox; and, sister-in-law, Ellen (Ward) Fox.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.
Donations may be made in Lonnie’s memory to Hospice of Iredell County, online at https://apps.hoic.org/donate-now or mailed to 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625.
Condolences may be shared at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.
Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Fox.