Lonnie Gable Jr.

Lonnie Gable Jr., age 87 passed away on Monday, March 18, 2024. Lonnie was born Thursday, August 27, 1936 in Cullman, Alabama to the late Lonnie and Ethel Freeman Gable. He was preceded in death by his brothers; Alvin, Wendell, Lawrence “Larry” and his sisters; Onvy “Jane”, Melba “Margie”, Peggy Sue and Theolene. He was a licensed minister for 69 years and Bishop in the Church of God (Cleveland, TN) for 51 years.

In his younger adult life Lonnie enjoyed bowling, fishing, and hunting. In his late 30’s he became an avid runner. He ran in the first race at Church Hill Downs for people and went on to run for many years participating in mini marathons. He also worked out regularly at the YMCA until his early 80’s.

Brother Lonnie accepted the Lord at the age of 16 during a revival at the Church of God in Tarrant City, Alabama. He was called to preach while sitting in a 1947 Chevy listening to southern gospel music and praying on his lunch break. He wrote “the call of God was imprinted on my mind, soul, and spirit. The moment I was called is a moment that defies explanation.”

In 1964 he was working for American Standard in Cincinnati when God called him to plant a Church of God in Dayton, Kentucky where he pastored for (5) years. He went on to pastor Church of God congregations in Hazard, Ky (5 years); Louisville, Ky (8 years) and Lexington, Ky (2 years) before coming to Tennessee to pastor Broadmoor Church of God in Nashville (8 years), then he went on to Soddy Daisy, Tn where he pastored (9 years). In 2000 he went to a new church start up in White House, Tn. Lonnie’s pastoral legacy was marked by growth of facilities and membership at every location he served. He retired from pastoral work in 2005.

By the time of his retirement he had preached in several states and countries, preached over 5400 sermons and had over 1300 individuals saved. He had served for many years on the Church of God State Youth Board, and State Councils in Kentucky and Tennessee. He served on the General Board of Benevolence. He also served as State Coordinator for the Pastoral Covenant groups in Tennessee becoming a pastor to pastors.

Lonnie is survived by his wife of 69 years, Patricia Hall Gable, children; Teresa (Jim) Combs, Gary (Elke) Gable and Mike (Trina) Gable; sister, Betty Johnson; grandchildren, Adam Combs, Justin (Lauren) Combs, Christiana, Emily, Sarah, Jacob (Danielle), Austin, Addison, Sophia; great-granddaughter, Norah Combs, and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation for Lonnie will be held Saturday, March 23, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM with a Celebration of Life at 4:00 in the chapel at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 1150 South Dickerson Road, Goodlettsville, TN 37072 with Rev. Rucker Chunn, Pastor Tom Frye and Dr. Darrell Bewley officiating.

A visitation will also be held Sunday, March 24, 2024 from 1:00 to 3:00 at Moss Funeral Home 1901 2nd Avenue NW, Cullman, Alabama 35055. Graveside service will follow in Mount Zion Cemetery in Cullman.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial be made to: The Reverend Lonnie and Patricia Gable, Jr. Scholarship Fund c/o Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee 3421 Belmont Blvd. Nashville, Tennessee 37215 or [email protected]