Mr. Lonnie Ray Garland

July 22, 1956 - December 1, 2021

Mr. Lonnie Garland was born July 22, 1956, in Magnolia, AR to Lonzo Garland and Elsie Ray Curry Allen. He went home to be with the Lord on December 1, 2021. Lonnie attended Magnolia Public Schools and was in the graduating class of 1974. He furthered his education at Oil Belt Vocational School in Hope, AR. After graduating he proudly served his country in the United States National Guard and the United States Air Forces. As a young man, Lonnie learned the value of hard work and always looked for ways to make money or secure a good deal, values he later instilled in his own children. His employment history included, but is not limited to, a firefighter with the Magnolia Fire Department, an employee at the Magnolia Water Department, and a lineman with AP&L (now known as Entergy). On February 18, 1978, he married the love of his life, Carol Hardwell Garland. They were married 43 years and from their union two children were born. At an early age he accepted Christ and united with the Macedonia Baptist Church in McNeil, AR. He later joined Southview Church of Christ where he was a faithful member until his death. Even while enduring life challenges with his declining health, Lonnie continued to perform various jobs, mainly in an effort to serve others in need of help. By the grace of God, he defied many odds throughout his life journey. On June 8, 2019, Lonnie received a Service Award from Brother Jeffers Jefferson and the Southview Church of Christ for his tireless work and dedication to the church and the community. On January 15, 2015, Columbia County NAACP presented Lonnie with an “A Community Treasure” Inspirational and Indomitable Spirit Award, in recognition of his servitude. He is preceded in death by his mother, Elsie Ray Curry Allen, his father, Lonzo Garland, and his brother, John Henry Allen. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving and devoted wife, Carol Garland; two daughters, Angela Garland and Michele Garland; three sons, Anthony Daniels, Christopher Garland, and Eric Garland; a dedicated grandson/son Hayden White; a beloved sister, Linda Keener; six brothers, Billy, Lonnie, Roy Lee, Leroy, Rudolph, and Harry; nineteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. Visitation will be Monday, December 6th from 1:00 - 3:00 at RL Reed Funeral Home in Magnolia, AR. The Celebration of Life Ceremony will be held Tuesday, December 7, 2021, at Southview Church of Christ in Magnolia, AR at 2:00 pm, with burial to follow at Pine Hill Cemetery with Military Honors in Emerson, AR, under the direction of R.L. Reed Funeral Home, LLC Brother Jeff Jefferson officiating. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, everyone is required to wear a mask while attending the services and during visitation hours. This will ensure safety for all in attendance.