Lee Othis Cloninger, Sr., passed away on April 27, 2018, from complications of congestive heart failure. Lee was born in Tallahatchie County on January 20, 1935, and was 83 years old at the time of his death. Lee enlisted in the the U.S. Navy when he was only 17 years old. One of his proudest accomplishments during his enlistment was his completion of the Underwater Demolition Program. This program later evolved into the Navy Seals.
Lee and his family moved to the Winona area over 55 years ago. He was a carpenter for many years and helped build a large number of the homes around Winona, Kilmichael, and Vaiden. Later, Lee held the position of maintenance manager at the Ramada Inn in Greenwood, Mississippi. He retired from the Ramada in 1995.
Lee was raised in the Pentecostal church. He was baptized by the late Brother Wayne Dickerson in May of 1982 at Legion Lake in a late evening ceremony. It was a treasured life-long memory for Lee.
Lee was preceded in death by his father and mother, James Creekmore and Sarah Jane "Trixie" Cloninger. He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Pattie Loree Milner Cloninger and four children, Annette Ramage and Debbie Hunsinger of Houston, Texas, Juanita Smith (Donnie) of Tupelo, and Lee Cloninger, Jr. (Cassie) of Jonesboro, Ark. Lee had 13 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Lee is also survived by his brother, James "Jim" Cloninger of Winona and sisters, Linda Cowan, Ann Glass, Dolly Sanders (James) and Betty Abston of Dayton, Texas. Lee will also be forever remembered by his numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and dear friends.
Visitation was held Sunday, April 29, from 4 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. at Oliver Funeral Home in Winona. The funeral service was held Monday, April 30, at 1 p.m. in the Oliver Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was in Scotland Baptist Church cemetery following the funeral service. Rev. Terry Corley officiated the services. Pallbearers were Dustin Freeman, Ritchie Cloninger, Roman Lattanzi, Jerry Nugent, Jonathan Kent, and Corey Lindley. Honorary pallbearers will be Rodger Cloninger, Donnie Smith, and Doug Hruzek.
