Robert (Bobby) Norris Bonner

Robert Norris Bonner (Bobby Bonner) son of Clarence Eugene Bonner and Annie Lou Fambrough Bonner was born in Crawfordville, Georgia January 11,1933. He passed away December 10, 2024.He grew up in Crawfordville, Georgia working at his parent’s restaurant Liberty Cafe (Bonner’s Cafe) and his father’s general store. This is where he learned his very strong work ethic. He graduated from Alexander Stephens Institute High School in 1950. He then attended Georgia Military College in Milledgeville, Georgia for two years. He continued his education at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. He was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity at University of Georgia. He met his future wife Ellen Gunn Bonner at University of Georgia. 

Once he completed his education he entered the Army as a Second Lieutenant in 1955. He was immediately transferred to Nurnberg, Germany. He and Ellen spent the next three years in Germany and had their first born Deborah Jean Bonner. He returned to the States and began his career at Eastman Chemical Company (Division of Eastman Kodak). Robert was then promoted to District Manager in Framingham Massachusetts. His son Bobby Bonner, Junior was born in Massachusetts in 1960. Three years later they had another daughter, Patricia Lynn Bonner born in 1964. The family lived in Massachusetts for a total of eight years. Robert was then promoted again to Manager of Distributor Sales and moved to the headquarters for Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport TN. His career with Eastman was 43 years. 

Once he retired, he returned to his hometown of Crawfordville which he loved dearly. He was a member of Crawfordville Baptist Church. He was a great dancer, and he taught his children to snow ski, ice skate, and ride horses. He loved to travel, he loved to entertain, and he loved everyone he met. 

Survivors include:

Deborah Jean Bonner of Greer, SC 
Robert Norris Bonner Junior of Gray, TN 
Patricia Lynn Bonner Vilas of Denver, CO ( Lloyd King Vilas) 

His Grandchildren: 

Elise Marie Head 
Mallory Logan Geismar (Jeffrey Geismar)
Gabrielle Bonner Chapman (Stephen Chapman) 
Grant Alexander Bonner 

His Great Grandchildren: 

Emerson Frank Geismar 
Bennett Logan Geismar 
Merritt Jacob Geismar 
Theodore Landon Chapman 

He was preceded in death by his grandson, Landon David Head.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Crawfordville First Baptist Church, 142 Memorial Drive, Crawfordville, GA 30631 with Jay Beeland officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in the church cemetery. Serving as pallbearers are Jeffrey Geismar, Scott Reynolds, Bonner Reynolds, Grant Bonner, and Bobby Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Jones, Robert Harold Kendrick, Charles Greene and Ralph Hoke Flynt. McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.
 

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