Elwood Malone ‘Loney’ Cunard
On November 6, 2022, Elwood Malone Cunard, better known as “Loney,” died at the Georgia War Veterans’ Home in Milledgeville, after an extended illness.
“Loney” was born on New Year’s Day, 1930, to Elwood Elbert and Evelyn Malone Cunard. He graduated from Monticello High School in 1947 where he was an outstanding student as well as an excellent football player; this began his lifelong love of service and sports.
“Loney” joined the United States Army before the Korean Conflict and served in the Ordnance Division in Anchorage, Alaska, where he maintained all military ground equipment. Upon the end of the Conflict, he returned to his beloved Monticello. On Friday, Aug. 13, 1954, he married his lifelong love and helpmate, Doris Jean Toney. They had been married for 68 years at the time of his death.
After returning from the army, “Loney” owned and operated Cunard’s Garage, a three-generational family business, until his semi-retirement at the age of 75. He loved his job because he truly cherished the time spent with his buddies and Monticello customers while he repaired their vehicles. He never drew a paycheck during his proprietorship.
As Cunard’s Garage morphed into “The Shop,” it became a place to congregate, to discuss Monticello’s current events, to share sports’ news, to whisper gossip, and to tell (and keep) closely guarded secrets. He passed his retirement years- still at “The Shop”– checking on Jasper County events, Georgia Bulldog scores, and whatever Toney dragged in for repair.
He cared for his aging parents and provided for their well-being until their deaths. Hunting and fishing filled his few spare hours until more pressing responsibilities demanded his attention.
He was a mainstay and familiar face at Monticello First United Methodist Church at which he had been baptized as a member at the age of eight. “Loney” worked diligently for the Board of Trustees, the Men’s Bible Class, and as a volunteer, who would perform any mundane or necessary task for MFUMC. As an active member of the Men’s Bible Class, he gained fame for his tasty, barbecued chicken and turtle stew.
Not only did “Loney” serve as an exemplary church member but also served as a civic leader who was a Councilman for the city of Monticello for 17 years. He was a valued member of the American Legion Post 110, the V.F.W., and Jasper Masonic Lodge #50F&AM (in which he received his 50-year pin), Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital, and Al Sihah Temple in Macon.
As a founding father of Piedmont Academy, he put his heart and soul into turning a dream into a reality. From the time of its conception, the Piedmont Cougars became his passion. From formulating plans to hands-on construction, to financing, to a life of support, he became one of Piedmont’s avid mentors for 52 years. He was a permanent fixture at the football games and could be seen under his big pecan tree near the left end zone in his lounge chair cheering “Big Blue” to victory. A regular spectator at all Cougar athletic events, he even attended away games with Mike Nelson as well as Maurice and Ben Jackson until the advent of his illness.
“Loney” and Doris traveled and ventured to Hilton Head frequently. He relived his youth while shagging with The Headliners. Always called a “straight-shooter,” “Loney” assumed the responsibility for the safe return of the entire entourage to the boundaries of Jasper County.
He was not just another Monticello citizen; he was an institution who lived life to the fullest. He is survived by his wife, Doris; daughter, Valerie Jean; and son, Toney Malone.
The lights have dimmed at Cunard’s Garage, for he definitely will be missed. The memories, however, will live on forever.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, at Monticello First United Methodist Church. Interment will be held in West View Cemetery. Dr. John Brown and Rev. Ben Strength will officiate.
Serving as pallbearers will be Steve Perry, Mike Nelson, Jr., Maurice Jackson, Dwight Voyles, Scotty Dumas, Doug Currie, Dicky Thompson and Doug Huff. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Pool, Don Kelly, Corbitt Kelly, Clyde Kelly, Julius Funderburke, W. Dan Roberts, James Sauls and Linton Jordan.
The family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Monticello First United Methodist Church, 651 College Street, Monticello, Ga. 31064; or Piedmont Academy, 126 GA Hwy 212 W, Monticello, Ga. 31064.
Jordan Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Visit its website at www.jordanfuneralhomemonticello.com.