During the afternoon of Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, CSM (retired) Cornelius Alonzo Mack's (B.K.A. Lonnie), wings were ready, but our hearts were not. It was on this day that God needed another angel in Heaven, and he sent for Lonnie. Although the journey was tragic, Lonnie answered the Master's call and entered eternal rest. Lonnie lived his life with a goal of helping others. He was always there when needed and did not hesitate to give a helping hand. Shortly after graduation, Lonnie joined the United States Army as a generator mechanic and later transitioned to an Army recruiter in the United States Army Recruiting Command, where he held numerous positions, to include an Army recruiter, station commander, first sergeant, as well as a command sergeant major (CSM) of the 2nd Medical Recruiting Battalion and the Baton Rouge Recruiting Battalion. After serving in the recruiting command, CSM (retired) Mack accepted the position as the commandant of Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska. After his military retirement, CSM (retired) Mack retired and accepted a position in the United States Army Recruiting Command Training and Development Division as the training director until his decision to move back to Sumter. After returning to Sumter, Lonnie became the owner of CC Construction of Sumter, Mack’s Properties and Mack’s Automotive. Lonnie’s goal in opening these businesses was to be a vessel in many young men’s future employment.
Lonnie’s sudden transition has left numerous broken hearts, especially his wife, children, grandchildren and a host of relatives and friends that are deeply grieved by his passing.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024, at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 609 Manning Ave., Sumter, with the Rev. Dr. Marion H. Newton, pastor, and the Rev. Terrance Murrill, officiating clergy.
Remains will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. for viewing until time of services.
Burial will be at 1 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2024, in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia.
The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 3 Lewis Circle, Sumter.
Services directed by the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.WilliamsFuneralHomeInc.com.
More Articles to Read