Robert Bonner, Jr.

Rev. Robert Bonner Jr. Obituary

CH(CPT) Robert Bonner, Jr., age 72, was born December 24, 1944 in Selma, AL, the oldest of 10 children to the late Robert Bonner, Sr. and Laura Mae Tipton Bonner of Selma, Alabama.

Rev. Bonner confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and later answered the call to preach while serving his country during the Vietnam War.  He met and was united in holy matrimony to Margie Williams Bonner of Jacksonville, Alabama. Born into this blessed union was a daughter, Vanessa (Antonio) Thomas. Born into his previous marriage were two sons, Robert (Tanya) Bonner, III and the late Darryl Bonner of Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Rev. Bonner graduated from Ullman High School in Birmingham, AL and received his Bachelors of Science in English from Miles College and Master of Science in Theology from The Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, GA.

He went on to become an Army Chaplain serving his country for over 16 years receiving various awards and recognitions including:The Army Service Ribbon, Army Achievement Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Commendation Medal (1st Oak Leaf Cluster), National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal (1st Award), Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Parachutist Badge, and Humanitarian Service Medal.  

Rev. Bonner served as Pastor of Welcome Chapel C.M.E. Church in Hobson City, Bethany Baptist Church in Iron City, St. Paul C.M.E Church in Jacksonville, Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church Eastwood in Jacksonville, and various military chapels in South Korea, Germany, and the USA, including Fort Knox and Fort McClellan.

Rev. Bonner was called home to his Savior Wednesday, December 20, 2017, late in the evening, at his home. His service will be held on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at 12:00 pm at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, Rev. Roosevelt Parker, Pastor. Rev. John H. Oliver Jr.,​​ Eulogist.  He leaves to cherish his memory, a wife, Margie W. Bonner, of Jacksonville, AL; one daughter, Vanessa (Antonio) Thomas, of Thomaston, Georgia; one son, Robert (Tanya) Bonner, III of Hopkinsville, KY; five sisters, Bessie B. Sims of Beaverton, Oregon, Vera (Thomas) Suber, of Charlotte, North Carolina; Geraldine (Robert) Rhodes of Franklin, Kentucky, Alfreda Bonner of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida; and Retha Kay (Gene) Smith of Selma, Alabama; one brother, Delong (Pamela) Bonner of Birmingham, AL; Seven sister-in-laws, Frances (Melvin) Abercrombie of Decatur, Georgia, Mary Williams of Auburn, Alabama,  Jessica Williams of Biloxi, Mississippi, Gloria Williams of Wichita, Kansas, Janet Lloyd-Oden of Grayson, Georgia, and Pearl Williams of Jacksonville, Alabama; one brother-in-law, Joe (Irma) Williams of Tuskegee, AL; one uncle, Howard Bonner of Ensley, Alabama; three grandchildren, Stacia McClellan, Shalita Kendrick, and Darryl Bonner Jr. of Clarksville, TN.; four great grandchildren, Maurice McClellan Jr., Khiyona Kendrick, A’Zyire Kendrick, and J’Syah Kendrick; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

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