During his career he served eight  governors in a variety of positions, including 35 years’ service with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), with five years as State Parks Director and nearly 10 years as DNR Commissioner.

He then served two years as Director of Implementation for Governor Perdue’s Commission for a New Georgia, followed by nearly 13 years as a Special Assistant in the Offices of Governors Perdue and Nathan Deal. During portions of that span he also served as Chairman of the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority and as Chairman of the State Employees Retirement System.

Lonice and his wife, Carol, live in Dunwoody where they are active in the Dunwoody Baptist Church. He serves as Church Moderator and Carol frequently teaches a women’s Sunday School Class. They have two children and five grandchildren.

He is an avid angler, hunter, and visitor to his beloved state parks, historic sites, and fish and wildlife management areas. He and Carol also enjoy traveling.