OBITUARIES

OBITUARIES

Velma Sims Griffin, 92, of West Memphis, passed away Thursday, June 30, 2016.

She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Sarah Sims; and numerous brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, C.L. Griffin of West Memphis; her sons, Rick Griffin (Terri) of Olive Branch, Mississippi, Ronnie Griffin (Pam) of Oakland, Tennessee; six grandchildren, Sarah Naylor (Nick), Hannah Williams (Brett), Barak Griffin, Jonathan Griffin (Valerie), Elizabeth Griffin, Matthew Griffin; six greatgrandchildren; and her sister, Thelma Ferguson of West Memphis.

Memorials may be made to the West Memphis First Baptist Church or to the Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary in Memphis, Tennessee.

Visitation was on Saturday at West Memphis First Baptist Church. Services were at 2 p.m., with interment following at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion.

Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com /westmemphis.

Lonnie Earl White

Lonnie Earl White, 65, passed away peacefully Saturday, July 2, 2016. Lonnie was a family man, husband, father, grandfather, friend, and brother. Lonnie grew up in Turrell, Arkansas as the oldest brother of four. He enlisted in the Marine Corp. at 18 and proudly served his country for thirteen years. It was during this time that his first set of twin daughters was born. After his tour of duty was completed, his second set of twins, a boy and a girl came along. Lonnie spent many years farming his family's land, running White's Farm Supply, and selling crop insurance. He was reunited with Mary Katheryn Flippo, his high school sweetheart, in 1996. Soon after, he married the great love of his life. Recently, they celebrated their 20th anniversary in Paris. Lonnie was a devoted father who spent his life caring for his children and his wife. He and Mary Katheryn opened their home to all of their family and friends. He loved nothing more than entertaining his guests with beverages, preparing elaborate spreads of food, and grilling his specialty, ribs. Lonnie loved golf with an unbridled passion. Once, he won a golf tournament in Costa Rica. He and Mary Katheryn were extensive world travelers. They visited all over of the world, including Paris, Budapest, Belize, and Costa Rica. Lonnie was a man of extreme honor, valor, unmatched wit, and integrity. He is survived by his wife, Mary Katheryn Flippo; daughters, Jennifer White, Lisa White, and Diana ; son, Philip White; sisters, Ann White, and Thea Greer; brother, Jerry White; seven grandchildren, Jackson Weaver, Gavin Howie, Connor Mickel, Julian Doyle, Leiland White, Rory White, Trevor Hopkins and so many others who loved him. To say that our Lonnie, Dad, and Pawpaw will be missed is nothing short of inadequate. We place our hope in the certainty that we will see him again in heaven. The celebration of his life will be on July 5, with visitation at 11 a.m., and services at 12 noon, at Grace St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Memphis, with burial at Crittenden Memorial Park in Marion. In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be sent to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Velma Sims Griffin