Mr. Lonnie “Arthur” Redding Sr., age 96 of Lawtey, Florida passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2019 surrounded by his family at The E.T. York Care Center in Gainesville, Florida. A lifelong resident of Lawtey, Mr. Redding was born March 12, 1923 to the late Mr. Henry and Cecilia (Wilkerson) Redding. At the age of 19, Mr. Redding entered into United States Army during World War II.
During his service, he spent time as a mortar gunner and also landed on Normandy on the day after the D-Day Invasion. He spent three years in the Army before being honorably discharged and returning to his family in Lawtey. Upon returning, Mr. Redding began a career as a barber.
He was well known in the Starke area for working at “City Barbershop”. The soldiers of Camp Blanding were particularly fond of Mr. Arthur because he would often open the barbershop as early as 5:00 AM in order to cut hair prior to reporting to work that day. When asked what time he would be open the barbershop, he would reply, “What time do you need me to open?
”. He continued to cut hair until the age of 89. Mr. Redding was a member of Madison Street Baptist Church since 1999 and served as an usher, a job that he did not take lightly.
Mr. Redding’s pride was the Lord, his family, his country, and his work. During his free time, he and his wife enjoyed traveling to the mountains, a trip that they made together for 33 years straight. He will be remembered as a hardworking, loving man.
Mr. Redding is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, two grandsons, and his daughter in law: Brenda Redding. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 77 years, Ms. Minnie Pringle Redding of Lawtey; sons: Lonnie (Alethia) Redding Jr. of Hampton, Billy (Brenda-deceased) Redding of Palatka, Jerry (Carol) Redding and Roger (Karen) Redding all of Lawtey; daughter: Joy (Ronnie) Beck of Middleburg; 13 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild. The family will be receiving friends at Madison Street Baptist Church, Starke from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, Friday, March 15, 2019.
A Celebration of Mr. Arthur’s Life will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, March 16, 2019 at Madison Street Baptist Church, Starke, with his grandson Rev. Ricky Beck and Rev. Charles Warren officiating.
Mr. Redding will be laid to rest following the service at Long Branch Cemetery, Clay County. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Forbes Funeral Home, Macclenny. (904)-259-4600.
Please leave your condolences for the family on the family on the online guestbook at www. forbesfuneralhome.net. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mr. Lonnie Arthur Redding Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.
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