Lonnie Norman served as the first black Mayor of Manchester, a small Middle Tennessee city, in 1991, and then again from 2012 to 2020 at the time of his death. He provided support for the popular Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival held every year in Manchester, but above his accomplishments as a local leader, he was a cherished member of the community.
In August 2020, Norman was elected to his third term as mayor of Manchester, a town with a population of nearly 10,000 people in Coffee County. A... moreLonnie Norman served as the first black Mayor of Manchester, a small Middle Tennessee city, in 1991, and then again from 2012 to 2020 at the time of his death. He provided support for the popular Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival held every year in Manchester, but above his accomplishments as a local leader, he was a cherished member of the community.
In August 2020, Norman was elected to his third term as mayor of Manchester, a town with a population of nearly 10,000 people in Coffee County. Among Norman's proudest accomplishments were funding a new recreation complex, a soccer field and supporting the city's beloved Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, improvements to countless parks. He also fought hard against rural hospital closures, so all Coffee County citizens could access quality, affordable health care.
Every June, with the exception of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, the town of 11,000 transforms into one of the busiest places in the state. As many as 80,000 people descend on Manchester for the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, a four-day outdoor concert held on a farm. The festival has in turn donated millions to the city and county over the years through its Bonnaroo Works Fund. In addition, part of each ticket sold goes to the city and county each year.
Lonnie Norman grew up in Manchester, a growing industrial community halfway between Nashville and Chattanooga. Before entering public office in 1984, Norman worked as a technician supervisor for 40 years at the Arnold Engineer Development Complex in Tennessee, retiring as a technician supervisor. In 1984 he entered public office and in 1991, Norman became the first Black mayor of Manchester.
Norman succumbed to Covid-19 pandemic xx days after being hospitalised and was survived by children Virginia, Deborah, Priscilla and Lonnie Jr., and grandchildren Brandi Sails and Kandi Guest.
In lieu of flowers, Norman's family asked for donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the Bonnaroo Works Fund.
