San Angelo LIVE! Exclusive: Letter Remembering Lonnie Haley

SAN ANGELO, TX - We recently reported that Lonnie Haley passed away, a native San Angeloan who struggled with addiction.

Lonnie Haley’s aunt came by the San Angelo LIVE! Studio and delivered a letter she wanted published. Haley had a loving family that struggled with his addiction along with him and attempted to help him along the way. His story is heartbreaking and happens too often in today's society. 

It reads as follows:

“Regarding Lonnie Haley,

Lonnie was an example of someone who struggled with addiction and mental illness. He passed away at the age of 60. 

As a young man, he was tall and handsome with a movie star look. 

He could always write a letter that even the great poets would take notice of. 

He will be given a proper burial and graveside service by his family. Many of the people that loved him will be there. 

The family tried so hard through the years to help him.

He had wonderful parents who never gave up on him. 

They loved him and knew what was important was on the inside. 

An example of this was his large tattoo of Jesus and the cross on his arm. 

He and his family’s final act of grace was donating his body.

Several people will live because he lived. 

What a wonderful gift. 

Lonnie and his family that were there were given the 'Walk of Honor' at the hospital. 

The wonderful doctors and nurses lined up on both sides of the I.C.U. hall. 

There was total stillness and quiet. 

‘How Great Thou Art’ was silently playing. 

The walk was long and steady, and the family followed Lonnie to the unknown. 

(Heaven was near) 

The doors opened, and he gave his final act of goodness. 

Many people have followed him because of all his arrests - I would like for them to really know Lonnie and his final days.”