Lonnie Lee Cornelius, Jr a devoted father, grandfather, uncle, and man of faith and family walked into the arms of the Lord on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. He was 58 years old. Lonnie was born August 8, 1967 in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina.

Lonnie joins his family in heaven as he was preceded in death by his mother and father, Jennie Lynn Cornelius and Lonnie Cornelius, Sr; grandparents, Jethro and Beatrice Twitty Donaldson; siblings, Sandra Donaldson and Mary Cornelius; niece, Shanerrick Twitty; aunts, Alma. L. Twitty-Hill and Alice L. Twitty-Lowery; uncle, Frank Twitty and great aunt, Daisy Oliver.

Lonnie was survived by his loving children, Caseem, Xavier, Lonesha, and Quantashia and grandchildren Janae, Kendall, Layla, and Lonshonda; siblings, Roberta, Karen, and Janet. He was a chef and loved to cook for those he loved. Fittingly he named his business A Little Taste of Heaven. Lonnie was a standout athlete and football player at North Mecklenburg High School. He was known as a "man's man" who fished and coached inner city youth. Lonnie attended Fern Street Church and later Word of Life during his time in Knoxville.

A Homegoing celebration will be planned for Saturday, November 15 @ 2:00 p.m at Word of Life Ministries located at 3819 Speedway Circle, Knoxville, TN 37914. Flowers may be delivered to the church the morning of the funeral. Professional arrangements entrusted to Patton Funeral Home, Brian L. Buckmon, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com.