Former Pacelli coach Lonny Arrington dies

Longtime Pacelli coach Lonny Arrington, who won a state softball championship in 2002, died Thursday surrounded by family at his home in Mooresville, N.C. He was under hospice care.

His death was reported on the school’s website.

Arrington’s softball teams won eight region championships and made 12 state playoff appearances. He also coached basketball and was an assistant coach to Chris Spraggins, with whom he coached for 24 years.

“He really loved coaching kids, and he was very good at it,” said Spraggins, now retired.

Spraggins called his friend, “just a great family guy.”

Spraggins said Arrington was his best friend. “He will be missed.”

Arrington, who taught religion at the school, retired from teaching after 39 years at the school. He attended the school as a student and is a member of the St. Anne-Pacelli Catholic School Athletic Hall of Fame.

Funeral arrangements are pending.

No other information is known at this time.

This story was originally published June 22, 2017 at 7:18 PM with the headline "Former Pacelli coach Lonny Arrington dies."