Lonnie Ray Swanner

LONNIE SWANNER

Lonnie Swanner, 77, of Laura’s Lane in Albemarle, passed into eternity on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Spring Arbor Senior Living.

Born in the community of Arjay, Kentucky, on September 7, 1947, Lonnie was the eighth of twelve children born to the late Walter and Sarah Swanner. Six of his siblings survive.

Upon joining the United States Army at age 17, Lonnie trained as a paratrooper at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and served as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He completed a tour of duty in Vietnam and subsequently served in the US Army Reserve for thirty years, retiring as a Command Sergeant Major.

Following his return from active duty, Lonnie enrolled at Greenville Technical College in South Carolina before earning his master’s degree while working full-time. Following his marriage to Wanda Gallimore, a native of Denton, NC, the two moved to Albemarle, where he worked at Stanly Community College, eventually retiring as a Vice President.

Over a 54-year marriage, Lonnie and Wanda raised two daughters, Jennifer Coble (Jason) and Alicia Landis (Danny), all of whom survive. He is also survived by five grandchildren: Emma Grace Coble, Lily Coble, Mattie Coble, Tanner Landis, and Kasey Landis. Lonnie was a dedicated father and grandfather, never missing an opportunity to spend time with his relatives and treasuring every moment that the entire family could be together.

A passionate outdoorsman, Lonnie enjoyed any outside activity. In past years, he had hiked the Grand Canyon as well as numerous trails in the Uwharrie, Blue Ridge, and Smoky Mountains. Following his retirement from Stanly Community College, he became an avid cyclist and rode numerous Cycle North Carolina events as well as informal rides with friends (usually including longtime SCC President Dr. Michael Taylor) on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Erie Canal Trail, the Great Alleghany Passage, the Natchez Trace Parkway, and the Silver Comet Trail, to name a few. He also enjoyed road trips with Wanda, exploring new destinations or visiting friends and family in Kentucky.

The family will receive friends from 10:00 am - 10:45 am, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle. The funeral service will be on Saturday at 11:00 am at Hartsell Funeral Home's Lefler Memorial Chapel in Albemarle.

Memorials may be made to the Dr. Michael and Alice Taylor Nurse Aide Scholarship Fund at Stanly Community College, to Tillery Compassionate Care of Albemarle, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Spring Arbor Senior Living in Albemarle for their kind and loving care during Lonnie’s stay.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Albemarle is serving the Swanner family.