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Mr. Bonnie Aubrey Lauderdale was born Aug. 12, 1926, in Chambers County. He lived the first 91 years of his life in LaFayette. The last two years of his life he was a resident of the Bill Nichols VA Home in Alexander City. He was 93 years old when he passed away at the VA Hospital in Birmingham on May 18, 2020.

Mr. Lauderdale went into the Army in 1944 at the age of 18 serving for two years. Battle/Campaign: Southern Philippines Liberation; Decorations/Citations Asiatic Pacific Theater Campaign Ribbon with one bronze star, Philippines Liberation Ribbon Good Conduct Medal, Victory Army Occupation Ribbon (Japan) and two Overseas Service Bars. After the surrender of Japan, he was one of the first to visit Hiroshima where the Atomic Bombs were dropped. After his time in service, he returned home in 1946. He played professional baseball in the Georgia State League and also for the Valley Rebels in the Georgia Alabama League.

In August of 1948 he married Jacqueline Gooden. They had two  children Don Lauderdale and Nina Lauderdale. He was saved in 1955 at the age of 29. He served as a Sunday School Teacher and a deacon for many years at LaFayette First Baptist Church.

Mr. Lauderdale is survived by his wife of 72 years Jackie of LaFayette; son Don Lauderdale (Margaret) of Seven Springs, North Carolina, Nina Arnold (Mark) of Birmingham; four grandchildren, Kim Lauderdale of Fredericksburg,Virginia, Chris Bartlett (Kristin) of Birmingham, Leslie Gray of Moody and Markal Arnold (Madison) of Birmingham; five great-grandsons, Brayden, Taylor, Tucker, Parker, Asher; one great-granddaughter Bella.

Mr. Lauderdale had a love of football, baseball, and basketball with a special attraction to old westerns. his life passions were his faith, family and fishing (especially eating catfish).

Even though his family could not physically be by his side due to Covid-19 restrictions, they were able to FaceTime with him during his last days.

His family has chosen to forgo visitation and a public burial due to the virus. There will be a celebration of his life at a later date. His request was if others would like to remember him to give to their favorite charity.

We were blessed to know him as a spouse, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His work on Earth is done. He has been waiting for his wings to fly to heaven to experience the joy of a peaceful afterlife with his Lord.

Online condolences may be sent to jeffjonesfuneralhome.com

Jeff Jones Funeral Home, LaFayette.