Lonnie S. Brock Jr. (L.S.) died January 30, 2024 at the age of 89.
He was born January 30, 1935 in Raeford to Lonnie and Grissella Brock.
He grew up in Raeford and after graduating from high school attended N.C. State University and earned a B.S. in Textile Engineering. Shortly after college he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served for approximately three years. During that time, he was stationed in Charleston, SC, where he met his future wife, Janice Catoe. After the Navy he worked for Burlington Industries and then Beaunit Corporation as a textile engineer. In 1978, he began his career as Purchasing Director for Faberge/Unilever, Inc., at the Raeford plant where he worked until his retirement.
He was involved with many community organizations. He served as a board member for Habitat for Humanity of Hoke County, the Chamber of Commerce, the Jaycees, the Hoke County Planning Board, Hoke County Children's Development Center, and was the committee head for Operation Christmas Child serving Hoke County. He loved playing Santa Claus at the Hoke County Public Library for many years.
Throughout his life he devoted much of his time to his church, Raeford Presbyterian Church, and faithfully served in many roles including elder, Sunday school teacher, as well as led mission trips that regularly went to Mexico to build homes with Faith Ministries. He especially loved the youth and was very involved with the youth group for many years. He also prepared meals for the Wednesday night activities as well as the Men of the Church breakfasts. He served on many committees and represented his church at the Coastal Presbytery meetings. He deeply loved Jesus and His Word. He was elected Elder Emeritus in 2018.
In retirement he devoted much of his time to various causes and organizations including Habitat for Humanity in Hoke County and Vocational Options (Monarch) of Hoke County, a vocational organization that provides support for individuals with mental and physical disabilities. If you knew him, you knew he was always accompanied by his daughter, Lynn, whom he loved and cared for deeply and who was a participant at Monarch for many years. Additionally, his caring spirit and servant attitude were known by the many people he visited who were ill, as well as others who needed help and could not manage for themselves. He also loved spending time with his family. Whether at family gatherings, kids' and grandkids' school, church or sports events, holidays and vacations, he loved being with them and all of their life adventures.
He was an avid NC State fan and headed up the Wolfpack Club in Hoke County for many years and enjoyed going to football games with family and friends for close to 50 years.
In 2019, he moved to Cary and became a resident of Sunrise of Cary Senior Living. While at Sunrise he enjoyed being involved in the many activities offered there. He loved meeting new friends, being on the Resident Council and playing Santa to the residents and the staff, who lovingly cared for him.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Catoe Brock (d. 1986) and companion, Glenda Clippard Lester (d. 2019).
He is survived by his son, Lonnie S. Brock, III (Cynthia) of Tampa, Florida, daughters, Carolyn Leigh Dempsey (Mike) of Southport, and Deborah Lynn Brock of Creedmoor; sisters, Mary Averette of Raeford, Jean Alford (Murray) of Holden Beach, and Edith Averette of Raeford; grandchildren Stephen Brock (Brittany) of Odessa, David Brock (Elizabeth) of Winter Springs, Florida, Ryan Dempsey of Raleigh, James Brock of Tampa, Florida, and Matthew Dempsey of Charlotte; great-grandchildren Cameron and Andi Brock of Odessa, Florida, and Josiah and Lincoln Brock of Winter Springs, Florida.
A visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, February 26 at Raeford Presbyterian Church, 128 W. Edinborough Avenue with a memorial service following at 11 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Missions Fund for Faith Ministries at Raeford Presbyterian Church, 128 W. Edinborough Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376, (910) 875-2101.