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Lawrence Webb "Lonnie" Nelson III

March 3, 1950 - July 15, 2017
El Cerrito, CA

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Lawrence "Lonnie" Webb Nelson III died unexpectedly of a heart attack in El Cerrito, CA. He was 67 years old. Lonnie was born and raised in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1968 where he was senior class president and a member of the debate and tennis teams. He earned a BA degree in English from the University of Michigan in 1972 and moved to Berkeley, CA where he became a general contractor and founded Lonnie Nelson Co, a renovation and remodeling business that he ran until his death. Preceded in death by his father, Lawrence Webb Nelson II "Larry", Lonnie is survived by his mother Wilma (Barnitz); wife Jacalyn Thompson; daughter Brittany Thompson; siblings Sue Nelson (Jim Rock), Tamara Nelson (Roger Hurd), David Nelson (Roberta Cunningham); nieces Linden, Emily, Rebecca; nephews, "J.T." (Farah), Andrew, Matthew, Samuel; great-niece Arya; and many long-time friends and business associates. Lonnie had a strong independent spirit and zest for life. A product of the sixties, he loved rock and roll, dancing and adventure. Smart, an avid reader and critical thinker, he loved talking ideas and debating politics. He relished being outdoors fishing, camping, backpacking and skiing and enjoyed travel. He loved sports and baseball was his passion. He grew up on Tiger baseball but converted once he moved to California to the Oakland A's. When Brittany played soccer for the Mavericks, he became the team manager and President of the League. Lonnie played baseball or softball most of his life so it's only fitting that his life should be celebrated at an Oakland A's game. Lonnie had a special river in the mountains where he would get away with family and friends or by himself to fish and contemplate. He will be cremated and his ashes scattered in a private ceremony along that river. Messages of condolence may be posted at http://oakland.chapelofthechimes.com/. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association http://www.heart.org or a charity of your choice. Lonnie will be deeply missed by all.