Burton Elonzo Adair

Burton Elonzo “Lonnie” Adair Jr., age 77, passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024, at Shannondale Healthcare Center, in Maryville, Tennessee, with family by his side. He was born on March 16, 1947, in Birmingham, Alabama and grew up in Nashville, TN. After company retirement in Winston-Salem, NC, Pam and Lonnie moved to Royal Oaks in Maryville in 1993. 

He met his beloved wife, Pamela, while in college at Memphis State University. He completed his Army service and degree in 1972, while Pam worked at St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital as a pediatric oncology nurse. They welcomed their two children, Tracy and Trevor a few years later.

With his BS in Business Administration, the way was paved for his successful career at Planters-LifeSavers/RJR Nabisco. He retired as VP of Information Technology, leaving a legacy of innovation and leadership. He is remembered for his encouragement and loyalty to his team and peers.

Lonnie loved computers, reading, golf, travel, puzzles, woodworking and cooking. He was known for his culinary skills, especially his pasta dishes and grilling mastery. His love for current events kept his mind sharp, reflecting his constant curiosity about the world and life. He always put his family first and would never let any child leave the house without a little “walking around” money and an “I Love You”. He had a wry sense of humor and a wonderful smile. Lonnie was a man of intellect, humor, and generosity, whose life was defined by a deep dedication to his family and career.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Burton and Martha Adair, sister Sherry Adair, brother Russell Adair, brother-in-law Bruce Culp Jr., and parents-in-law, Bruce and Catherine Culp.

Lonnie is survived by his loving wife, Pamela Culp Adair of Maryville, TN; daughter, Tracy Adair Derning (Sean) of Lawrence, KS; son, Burton Trevor Adair (Chelsea) of Reidsville, NC; brother, Curt Adair (Mary) of Nashville, TN; Sister-In-Law, Cynthia Culp Abernathy (Eddie) of Rogersville, TN, sister-in-law, Phoebe Culp of Dallas TX, sister-in-law Laura Adair of Branford, CT; grandchildren Caleb Adair, Keegan Derning, Logan King, and Leila King, and nieces and nephews Leslie, Brett, Lance, Kenneth, Carson, Wren, Mabry and Jackson. He is also survived by his canine child Honey, who was his constant companion for the last years of his life.

Services to honor Lonnie's life will be held on August 24, 2024, at Dotson Memorial Baptist Church in Maryville, TN. Visitation will be at 1 pm, followed by a service at 2pm, and reception at 3pm in the activity hall of the church. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN, a place and mission close to Pam and Lonnie’s heart.