Mack Lonas

Mack Lonas (age 93), entered the gates of heaven on July 28.

Mack was the younger of twin boys born Oct. 26, 1928 to the late W.H. and Lucile Ramsey Lonas of Chattanooga. He and his twin, Jack Jr, were two of five brothers (Bill, Steve & Ken),

Mack is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, the former Sarah Ann Dodd, his identical twin brother and best friend Jack, two daughters, Katie McKenzie (Jim) and Nancy Melton (David). Mack is also survived by three grandchildren (Jay McKenzie, Mac McKenzie and Curt Melton) and two great grandchildren (Esme and JJ McKenzie).

Mack was a well-known General Contractor in the Chattanooga area who joined Lonas Construction Co. in 1946 at the age of 18 and retired from the company in 2003. Among Mack’s construction projects were Cleveland Country Club, WindStone Golf Club and Stonehenge.

Mack was a United States Air Force veteran who served in the USAF (1950-1954) with the 41st Fighter Interceptor Squadron during the Korean War. Mack’s love for his country and patriotism were evident to anyone who saw him driving his silver Tundra Truck around town where he proudly displayed his USAF Veteran hats and other Air Force insignia.

 Mack was also a prominent sports figure and a member of the Greater Chattanooga Sports Hall of Fame. His sports career with the USAF (‘51-‘54) was filled with baseball and softball team wins and pitching accolades. Under Mack’s leadership, Johnson AFB (Japan) won both the softball and baseball Far East Titles (1952.) The baseball team went on to win the World title. A talented hurler, Mack also pitched the Chattanooga Flames to the softball state championship in 1956, completing all five games, one of which was a no-hitter. Lonas was then selected to the all-tournament team.

Although Mack was accomplished in many areas of life, he was a very humble servant of the Lord who didn’t like talking about himself because he was more interested in others. God blessed many people through the wonderful life of Mack Lonas. He was so well loved by so many people because he loved so many, so well, himself. He was a real-life testimony of God’s infinite and merciful love.

. Arrangements by Lane Funeral Home. Donations can be made to The Wounded Warrior Project or Tunnel To Towers. 

Arrangements entrusted to Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, TN 37415 www.lanefh.com 423-877-3524.