Forty four years after his death, Petty Officer Lonnie Jones White was recognized for his ultimate sacrifice.

The family of Lonnie Jones White attends ceremony recognizing his sacrifice for his fellow man.

Lonnie Jones White's sister and mother accepted a proclamation from Mayor Dowling Watford recognizing white's ultimate sacrifice.

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Lonnie was born and raised in Okeechobee and graduated from Okeechobee High School in 1976. White was the eldest son in a large family, and his nine sisters describe him as trustworthy, dependable, kind and caring — almost a second father to his siblings. “He was our big brother,” said Arniece. “He was everything. If Mama said something and he was there, all he had to do was look at us.”

His sister Priscilla’s earliest memories include her big brother Lonnie, “Growing up, we were always close. We looked out for each other. I remember when my brother started school. I would cry because I was left behind. We were separated that year, but the following year, we were reunited. If you looked for one, you could find both of us; we were inseparable.”

She went on to say she remembers her brother placed a high value on family and believed in doing the right thing. “He was a young man with a big heart, always trying to please and keep everyone happy, making sure we had what we needed.”

Always a hard worker, Lonnie went to school half of the day and then headed to Raulerson Hospital, where he worked. In addition to these long hours, White also played for the Brahmans Football Team. As if that were not enough, White was taking his Coast Guard tests and maintaining good grades. “My brother was my role model,” said Priscilla. “Growing up, in high school, I wanted to run track, but my mother said I couldn’t. However, my brother convinced her that he would take care of me, so she let me run track with him.”

When she could not convince her brother not to join the Coast Guard, Priscilla decided to go with him. “Unfortunately, that did not happen,” she said. “In 1976, during the bicentennial year, my brother and I walked the stage to graduate. Shortly afterward, he left for training. That was one of the hardest days for me. When he returned to visit after training, he told me, ‘I don’t want you to join the service. It’s not a place for you.’ I listened and didn’t join the service.”

Lonnie visited home as often as possible, and in 1981, he was even able to visit Priscilla and her newborn baby girl. Unaware that this would be his last visit, Lonnie made the rounds, spending time with friends and family.

“On that Monday morning, March 30, 1981, news broke that three Coast Guard men from Destin, Florida, were missing. I turned off the TV, unaware that one of those men was my brother, until later that evening when they found him. One thing I can say is that my brother lost his life saving someone else’s. That’s the type of person he was,” said Priscilla. “My brother would always say to me, 'Sis, I love that water.'

According to the U.S. Coast Guard Enlisted Memorial website, “On March 30, 1981, CG-41408 was returning to Station Destin, FL after assisting the crew of a capsized vessel when it was struck broadside by a series of fifteen-foot waves. The initial impact caused the boat to lose power and rudder control, and a subsequent wave capsized her. The three crew members aboard were swept forward into the passenger’s compartment where they found relief in an air pocket.

“Fearing imminent death in the 58-degree water and massive waves, the three broke a side window and attempted to swim to the harbor’s jetties some 200 yards away. Two of the crewmembers successfully made the swim, but Machinery Technician 3rd Class Lonnie Jones tragically succumbed to hypothermia.”

Jones was survived by a grieving wife, two young daughters and an unborn child who would be named Lonnie Jr.

Lonnie and his wife Jacqueline had two daughters at the time of his death, Michelle and Lateasha. Two weeks after Lonnie’s death, Jacqueline discovered she was pregnant. She named the baby after his father.

Many years after his death, in 2010, Lonnie was recognized  at the Fort Walton Beach Military Appreication Day, where memorial in his honor was unveiled.

In Okeechobee, Lonnie was finally recognized this year when his name was engraved on the Memorial Wall in Veterans’ Park in September.

Priscilla said, “My brother and my best friend, Petty Officer 3rd Class Lonnie Jones. Although my brother Lonnie is gone, he will always be remembered.”

The name “Jones” in Lonnie Jones White is a family name passed down from his maternal grandmother. His official name in the Coast Guard was Jones, and this is engraved on the memorial in Destin Beach, however, in Okeechobee, he went by White, and this name is engraved on the memorial wall in Okeechobee.