Johnny Lonzo Dees

Johnny (John) Lonzo Dees, age 92, died peacefully in his sleep on Friday, May 27, 2016 at the Brookdale Southside Assisted Living facility. At the time he was also receiving care from Community Hospice of Northeast Florida. John was born on December 19, 1923 in Andalusia, Alabama to Eugene and Dessima (Cook) Dees. The family moved to Winter Haven, Florida when he was still a young boy. He used to share such wonderful stories of running around the expansive orange groves and swimming in the lakes that were so abundant around there. After graduating from Hillsborough High School in Tampa, Florida, he enlisted in the US Army. He served in WWII with the 172nd Engineer Combat Battalion in the European Theater, acting as an Assistant Squad Leader for 18 months. His WWII decorations included the Army Good Conduct Medal. Following his honorable discharge from service at the end of the war, Johnny's next adventure took him to the University of Florida (Go Gators!). He graduated in 1946 with a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration, proud member of Sigma Chi. This led to a successful and personally satisfying career with the Southern Bell/AT&T family. He became the General Traffic Manager of Florida in which he managed hundreds of telephone operators. He and his team were an integral part of the communication network of yester years which provided people the ability to stay in touch with one another around the globe. He retired from AT&T in 1986.

Another aspect of his prestigious career included becoming a Life Member of the Telephone Pioneers of America. John was a very active member within this volunteer, charitable organization. He served as both volunteer and Officer (including Past President) within the local Jacksonville chapter. He was also active in other community organizations throughout the Greater Jacksonville area. At one time he served on the Board of Directors for Penney Farms Retirement Community of Clay County.

Lasting just shy of 64 years, one of the main chapters of John's life started with a blind date. This is how he met the love of his life, Helen. Their first date included the movie musical "Three Little Words" A song in the movie had the same name and some of the lyrics were..."three little words, eight little letters, which simply mean I love you!" Dear family and friends, that is what some would call destiny. John and Helen's union came to total fruition when they were blessed with their sons, David and John Lawrence. Then came the granddaughters...only other grandparents can fully understand this joy in life!

Woven throughout John's wonderful life was his unwavering belief in God. He accepted Jesus Christ as his lord and savior and was a member of the United Methodist Church. At Lakewood UMC in Jacksonville he and Helen participated in various aspects of the church, including choir and teaching Sunday school classes. They later followed a young pastor, Gee Sprague, to CrossRoad UMC. They were inspired by Pastor Gee's contemporary approach to connecting the "imperfect" with Christ.

Loved ones that crossed the path before John include his parents, Eugene and Dessima (Clark) Dees, brothers Jesse and Willie and sister Madine (Fagan) Dees. Loved ones that will miss John until they meet again are his wife, Helen (Lewis) Dees; sons, David (Debbie) and John Lawrence (Cindy) Dees; granddaughters, Catherine, Victoria and Sarah; sister, Doris; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as other family members and friends.

John Dees, you were a man of integrity who will be greatly missed by those of us fortunate enough to have known you. It is with sadness we say, "Goodbye", but with honor and joy we will remember you. Funeral arrangements are being handled by Hardage-Giddens, with services on Friday, June 3, 2016 at Cross Road UMC (10005 Gate Pkwy N, Jacksonville, FL 32246). Visitation will be 10:00am-11:00am and funeral service will start at 11:00 am. Private burial to follow at Greenlawn Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to CrossRoad United Methodist Church and Community Hospice.

Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville, Florida is serving the family