Lonnie Charles Cosby Jr.

Lonnie Cosby, Jr., age 74, of Peoria, Arizona passed away on March 24th, 2023. Lonnie was born on October 31st, 1948, in Blakely, Georgia. His parents were the late Lonnie Cosby, Sr., and Louise Cosby Walker.

Lonnie was educated in the Early County School system and graduated from an Early County High School in 1967. Lonnie accepted Christ into his life at an early age. Through his faith, Lonnie learned the importance of family and stewardship to his community. Lonnie lived his life with kindness, generosity, and gratitude toward the people he encountered.

Shortly after graduating from high school, he attended trade school in Thomasville, Ga. After completion of trade school, he was drafted into the Army to serve during the Vietnam War, where he served on active duty from November 25, 1969, to March 23, 1972. Once released from active duty, he then relocated to Phoenix AZ, where he would continue service to his country in the National Guard from 1974 to July 21, 1996.

Lonnie retired from Valley Metro (City of Phoenix Transit) after 33 years in 2007. He then decided to continue serving by way of Maricopa County Sheriff's Office as a Detention Officer, where he worked from May 2008 to May 2018.

In his spare time, Lonnie was an avid runner and loved to stay active with outdoor activities. He also had a garden in his backyard, made homemade juice from fresh fruits and vegetables, and did other health-conscious activities to stay vibrant and energetic. Lonnie's favorite activity was to run in different 5k, 10k, half marathons, and marathons. Competing in these races brought him all over Phoenix, San Diego, and other cities to participate in his favorite pastime. He also got his family and friends involved in running or walking by implementing the Cosby Family Fun Run/Walk at their annual gathering in Blakely Georgia.

Lonnie will be remembered for his love of family and spending time with the people he loved. He went on dozens of road trips to return to his native Blakely, Georgia. Many of these trips included his sister Rosa and on occasion his children. Lonnie made it a mission to attend family events and celebrations whenever possible. He truly never forgot where he came from. Additionally, Lonnie spent time mentoring and helping his fellow family members – this included leading the way in military service for five of his siblings, teaching many family members and friends how to drive, encouraging people to have better health and wellness, and overall guidance and mentoring toward younger generations.

He leaves behind five children to cherish his memories. Yarnell Cosby of Maricopa, AZ; Deanna Cosby of Merced, CA; Joshua Cosby of Phoenix, AZ; Marquis Cosby of Merced, CA; Tommy Wiley of Phoenix, AZ. Four grandchildren Daniel Moten, Maiah Cosby, Josiah Cosby-Rich, and Leonnie Locke.

He also leaves behind eight siblings and six sisters-in-law. One sister, Rosa Cosby of Peoria, Az.; and seven brothers, Murray, and Johnny (Linda) of Ft. Lauderdale FI.; Willy (Terrian) of Gainesville Fl.; Eddie (Annette) and Henry (Beverly) of Columbus Ga.; Charles (Vanessa) of Atlanta Ga.; and James (Gail) of Baltimore, Md. In addition, Lonnie also leaves behind a host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, and friends whom he loved dearly.

In addition to his parents, Lonnie is preceded in death by his son Brian Cosby, and his sister Ann Cosby McDonald.

A visitation for Lonnie will be held Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Chapel of the Chimes Mortuary, 7924 North 59th Ave, Glendale, Arizona. A funeral service will occur Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 7924 North 59th Ave, Glendale, Arizona. A graveside service will occur Wednesday, April 19, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona.

Serving as pallbearers are Yarnell Cosby, Brian J. Cosby , Frederick McDonald , D'Shawn Joseph, James Cosby and Willy Cosby .

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ChapeloftheChimesMortuary.com for the Cosby family.