A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Lonnie began his construction career in 1998 after moving to the Chattanooga area. He spent three years as a laborer before joining the carpentry apprenticeship program and earning the title Journeyman Carpenter. In 2007, he began managing residential projects and is now Lead Residential Superintendent for Parks. He manages teams of carpenters, laborers, and subcontrators on multiple jobs in the Chattanooga and North Georgia region, often also serving as Project Manager and Estimator.

Lonnie has a Doctorate in Bible and Theology from Covington Theologial Seminary and serves as an elder and worship pastor at Grace Church in Ringgold, Georgia. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, and is an avid fisherman.