Lonnie Warwick

Lonnie Warwick took his last trip on Monday, October 28, 2024. His final destination was to reunite with his family and friends in Heaven. Lonnie Preston Warwick was born in Raleigh, WV on February 26, 1942. He lived most of his life in his beloved hometown of Mt. Hope, WV where he was a member of Mt. Hope Baptist Temple. Lonnie never met a stranger and loved to be around people. He had a magic about him. His eyes would twinkle when he spoke. He treated everyone the same: rich, poor, young, and old. He was Mt. Hope and will be missed by those that had the privilege and opportunity to know him.

While in school at Mt. Hope High School, Lonnie was a remarkable athlete where he excelled in football, basketball, track, and baseball. He was the 1959 West Virginia Golden Gloves Champion. After graduation, he earned a football scholarship to the University of Tennessee where he played his freshman year before transferring to Tennessee Tech University where he excelled in football while pursuing his degree.

In 1964, Lonnie was contacted by the Minnesota Vikings and was invited to try out for the team. Needless to say, the tryout was a success and he played middle linebacker from 1965 until 1972. He was a member of the legendary Purple People Eaters defense. After leaving the Vikings, he continued his football career with the Atlanta Falcons and later became a player coach for the Washington Redskins. His final year as a professional football player was played in the World Football League. Once his playing days ended, he continued his passion of the game as a coach.

After retiring from football, Lonnie became a successful businessman. He owned a roofing company and also started the Tennessee Shad fishing lure business. In 1980, Lonnie returned to his hometown of Mt. Hope and opened Sam’s Place.

Lonnie won many awards and was inducted into several esteemed organizations throughout his life. He was most proud of his induction into the West Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. These accomplishments were achieved through his superb athleticism, good character, and generous heart. Lonnie loved to help people and gave his final gift as an organ donor.

Throughout his life, Lonnie enjoyed fishing, hunting, watching boxing, and being with people. One of his biggest joys was spending time and making memories with his grandchildren. PawPaw as he was known by them, was a real-life superhero who was larger than life. He was proud of his grandchildren and often liked to show them off when they visited Mt. Hope.

Lonnie was preceded in death by his parents, John Everett “Ted” and Addine Morris Warwick, siblings: Nancy Walters, Nora Hall, John Paul Warwick, and Suzie Bailey, step-children: Ajon Gublin and Johnette Whitfield. Survivors include his wife, April Gwinn Warwick, children: Terry Warwick (Mary Beth) and Gina Warwick, grandchildren: Amanda Odom, Jake Warwick, and Jack Warwick, great-grandchildren: Ollie and Dane Odom, several nieces and nephews, special friends: Woody Wilson, Carl Murdock, Mike Kessinger, Adam Toney, and Rodney LaRose.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to support the renovation of the Lonnie Warwick Mount Hope Municipal Stadium. Checks payable to Mount Hope Stadium can be mailed to the City of Mount Hope, PO Box 151 Mt. Hope, WV 25880.

There will be a memorial service at 11:00am on Saturday, November 16, 2024 at the Mt. Hope Baptist Temple. A Celebration of Life will follow at 2:00pm at the Lonnie Warwick Mount Hope Municipal Stadium (weather permitting) 11 High School Dr. Mt. Hope, WV. In the event of inclement weather, the Celebration of Life will take place at the WV National Guard Armory, 409 Wood Mountain Rd. Glen Jean, WV.