James Lamar Hennon, 78, of Dalton, Georgia, died on Tuesday, August 25, 2015, after a courageous battle with cancer.
He was born May 20, 1937 in Dalton, GA. He was raised in the Threadmill Village and attended Dalton Public Schools. Lamar participated in athletics and graduated from Dalton High School in 1955.
Mr. Hennon was awarded a baseball scholarship and attended Lincoln Memorial University in Harrogate, TN. He was a catcher and member of 8 conference championship teams and also participated in the first ever NAIA College World Series Tournament in Alpine, TX. While attending LMU, he met his lovely bride Carolyn Sue Cawood from Middlesboro, KY. The two were married March 11, 1959. He went on to graduate from Lincoln Memorial with a degree in Physical Education.
Lamar returned to Whitfield County and assumed teaching and coaching positions at North Whitfield High School for three years. In 1962, he chose to enter into the carpet industry and was a partner in several startup businesses. This led to the formation of Carpets of Dalton, Inc. which he started in 1971. While living in Dalton, Mr. and Mrs. Hennon were both active members of the First Baptist Church. Lamar loved his community and was very generous with both his time and resources while helping many people throughout his life. He graciously gave to many area schools, athletic teams, and charities. Being that athletics provided him with an opportunity to attend college, Mr. Hennon always had a special place in his heart for young people and athletics.
He supported both his alma maters in a variety of ways. Most notably was his involvement with the football and baseball programs at Dalton High School and his service at Lincoln Memorial as a member of the Board of Trustees. Lamar was a charter member of the LMU Athletics Hall of Fame and he was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the institution.
Mr. Hennon also had a love and passion for college athletics – particularly college baseball. Over the years he supported many programs such as Lincoln Memorial University, Western Carolina University, and Georgia Southern University. Baseball Stadiums on the campuses of Lincoln Memorial and Western Carolina bear his name. James Lamar Hennon lived a full life. He loved his Lord Jesus Christ, his family, friends, and community.
He was preceded by his parents, Leonard Hennon and Nancy Bennett Hennon; step-mother, Magnolia Hennon; baby brother, Jerry Hennon; father-in-law, John Cawood; mother-in-law, Edith Cawood; and brother-in-law, Jerry Bruce Cawood.
Lamar is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Sue Hennon; children and their spouses, Jerry and Lisa Hennon, Susan and Ken Brown and Rodney and Kim Hennon; grandchildren, Blake Hennon, Rachel Hennon, Hillary Brock, Katelynn Brock, Sydney Brock, Jerry Bruce Hennon, Jason Lamar Hennon, Jaimie Brown, Stryker Brown, Jenna Williams, Walker Hennon, Keeli Hennon and Carter Hennon; in-laws, David and Klavdia Cawood, Marilyn Abney, Edna and Hank Barnes, Rhonda Thomas, John and Marina Cawood and Barbara Hennon; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be at 4 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27 at Dalton First Baptist Church with Dr. Billy Nimmons and Rev. Matt Evans officiating. Burial will follow in Whitfield Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends prior to the service on Thursday, Aug. 27 in the Atrium of the Church from -4 p.m.
The family asks that flowers please be omitted and memorials made to the Miracle League of Whitfield County, 774 Lafayette Rd. Rocky Face, GA 30740.
Words of comfort may be sent to the family at www.lovefuneralhomega.com.
Love Funeral Home, 1402 N. Thornton Ave. Dalton (across from Hamilton Medical Center) is in charge of arrangements.