Rufus Lonnie Flippo passed away Thursday, March 17, 2016, at the age of 81 in
Palm City, FL surrounded by his family. Born on March 18, 1934 in Florence, he has lived in Clearwater, FL since 2004.
The funeral will be Saturday, April 2, 2016 at Spry Williams Funeral Home, Florence. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. – noon with service at noon conducted by Pastor Bryan McIntyre. A private burial will follow at TriCitiesMemorialGardens.
Lonnie was a Korean War Veteran who served in the Navy in the Pacific Theatre. He was a 1960 graduate of the University of North Alabama who held the record for many years for the highest test score on the Certified Public Accountant exam in the state of Tennessee.
He worked for Chem-Haulers, Inc., in Florence for over 20 years as Vice-President and Treasurer. He later became the President of Cardinal Transport, Inc. in Illinois and in the 1990’s was a Realtor with Century 21 Clement Realty, Inc.
His numerous civic & political duties include: University of North Alabama Board of Trustees, from 1979 to 1986; President – Shoals Chamber of Commerce; Campaign Advisor to Congressman Ronnie G. Flippo; Lauderdale County Chairman–Jimmy Carter election campaign and Member of Alabama Governor’s Commission on Crime, Fob James administration.
Lonnie was a beloved husband, father and brother to eight siblings. He was an ardent Auburn fan, little league baseball coach and father who never missed a football practice or game.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lindell and Ola Mae Flippo; sister, Martha McWright and brother, Alton Flippo.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Pardue Flippo and her sons Tyrone (Ashley), Owen and Al (Mary) Pardue and grandchildren Deva, Aine, Tiernan, Ali and Fionn Pardue; By Lonnie’s sons, Barry (Mitzi) and Brad (Libby) Flippo; their mother, Yvonne Howard Flippo and grandchildren, Clint and Evie Davis and Nathan, Nick and Mirra Flippo; By brothers C. L. (Sylvia) and David (Bonnie) Flippo and sisters, Mazie Keeton, Marion Ayres, Ginny (Selton) Killen, Hazel (Wayne) Mays and by numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Pallbearers will be David Flippo, Selton Killen, Barry Flippo, Brad Flippo, Nathan Flippo and Nick Flippo.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Treasure Coast Hospice at tchospice.org or call 772-403-4500.
