Resolution to name the new bridge on Overhead Bridge Road in Spartanburg County “Lt. Colonel Thomas W. Bonner Bridge”
Resolution to name the new bridge on Overhead Bridge Road in Spartanburg County “Lt. Colonel Thomas W. Bonner Bridge” and erect appropriate markers or signs at this bridge containing the words “Lt. Colonel Thomas W. Bonner Bridge.” (Ms. Flora Alice Bonner Powell to receive)
Obituary
CHESNEE, SC-- Lt. Col. Thomas Wilton Bonner, USAF retired, age 101, of Chesnee, SC, died Sunday, April 3, 2011, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Born February 21, 1910, he was the son of the late James Randolph and Dovie Alice Hines Bonner. He was predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Viola Mabry Bonner and his second wife, Sarah Price Goforth Bonner; brother Charles H. Bonner; and sisters, Meredith Bonner and Alice Bonner Greene.
Survivors include his daughter, Flora Alice Bonner Powell and son-in-law Perrin W. Powell; grandson, Dr. Thomas Brian Powell and wife Dr. Caroline K. Powell of Columbia; granddaughter, Jennifer Powell Heffentrager and husband Mark of Colorado Springs, CO. Also surviving are great- grandchildren, Sidney, Jack, and Kelvey Powell and Josiah and Noah Heffentrager.
Mr. Bonner was a graduate of Chesnee High School, attended and played football at NC State, then graduated from Wofford College with a BA degree. He served with the Civilian Conservation Corps then joined the Army and later became a member of the first U.S. Air Force during World War II. He remained in the Air Force Reserves, serving his country for 21 years. He was a school teacher and administrator for 37 years in Cherokee County and Spartanburg County, spending 26 of those years as Principal of Chesnee Elementary School.
He had a lifelong passion for farming and livestock. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing and NASCAR racing. He was a member of Chesnee First Baptist Church, Retired Officers of the Air Force Association, and the American Legion.
Visitation will be from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM on Tuesday, April 5, 2011, at Eggers Funeral Home in Chesnee. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at Chesnee First Baptist Church with Dr. Gary Grogan and Dr. Troy Gregg officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Baptist Church Cemetery with Military Rites.
Memorials may be made to Mobile Meals of Spartanburg, P.O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304; or to Chesnee First Baptist Church, 211 South Kentucky Avenue, Chesnee, SC 29323
The family is at the home of his daughter, 1449 Fish Camp Road, Chesnee, SC.
E-condolences may be sent online to www.eggersfuneralhome.com.
