Lonnie Lee Jernigan

Lonnie Lee Jernigan, 82, of 770 US 13 North, Gates, NC, died Friday, April 3, 2015 in Sentara Obici Hospital, Suffolk, VA. Mr. Jernigan was born in Northampton County on March 19, 1933, and was the son of the late James Handley and Bessie Hobbs Jernigan. A retired QA supervisor from Union Camp Corporation, now International Paper, in Franklin, VA after 42 years of employment, he was an avid square dancer having been involved with the Tri-County Squares and the Gates County Country Squares where he had served as president, and also found great enjoyment as a ham radio operator (KG4FOS). A veteran, he had served in the US Air Force. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister-in-law, Diane Jernigan, and by two brothers-in-law, Alvin Eure and Jerry Parker. Surviving are his special lady of 29 years, Kay B. Councill of Gates; four sons, Alan Jernigan and wife Wanda of Suffolk, VA, Tony Jernigan and wife April of Gates, Larry Jernigan and wife Peggy of Gatesville, and Jay Jernigan of Gates; the mother of his children, Carolyn G. Jernigan of Chesapeake, VA; two sisters, Bessie Eure of Gatesville and Shirley Parker of Suffolk; a brother, Richard Jernigan and wife Shirley of Gatesville; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and extended family members. Graveside services will be held Monday at 3:00 p.m. in the Jernigan Family Cemetery, Jernigan Lane, Gates (Boonetown), by the Rev. Billy Presley and Pastor Ricky Byrum. Casual attire is encouraged. Friends may join the family Sunday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, and all other times at the residence. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.