Lonnie Joe Koonce

Lonnie Joe Koonce, 46, of Toney, passed away on Tuesday.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Shirley Diane Smith, and father, Roger Dale Koonce Sr.

Surviving family members include his son, Caleb Koonce; his brother, Roger Dale Koonce Jr; his sisters: Tammie Lynn Groves-Smith and Cassandra Jo Groves Rieck.

Lonnie was a true example of a changed life. He gave his life to the Lord as a teenager and like many others, drifted away from Jesus as a young adult. However, in the last few years Lonnie has lived with renewed passion for Jesus and had become a fully devoted follower of Christ. Lonnie faithfully attended Bethlehem Baptist Church in Hazel Green, AL where he loved to serve others and was a member of a LifeGroup and a men's discipleship group. Over the years Lonnie had developed an especially strong bond with the Pastor at Bethlehem, Lon O.

A hand-written note was found in a devotional book that Lonnie was reading which read, "FINISH STRONG." That was Lonnie's goal to finish this life faithfully and strong in the Lord. All those who knew him and grew close to him in these last years can attest to the fact that he did in fact "FINISH STRONG!"

The family takes great comfort in knowing that as Lonnie stepped into the presence of the Lord, he heard Jesus say..."Well done!"

The family will receive friends on Sunday evening from 4pm until 5pm at Hazel Green Funeral Home.   A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 5pm at the funeral home with Pastor Lon Ostrzycki officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Lonnie's memory to Bethlehem Christian Academy in care of Bethlehem Baptist Church; 1936 Elkwood Section Road; Hazel Green, AL 35750.

Hazel Green Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.