"Bennie...Affectionately know as the "Old Dads" it seems like yesterday that I was a teenager hanging out at your house with my girlfriend and the boys. No matter what time of night it was you thought nothing of driving us home making sure we were safe. I am glad I had the opportunity to give you your first grandchild. She could not have asked for a better grandfather and I could not have asked for a better father figure in my life. Although you didn't say much, the advise you gave me I will always cherish. You are and will always be that special person that made me who I am today....Luv ya "Old Dads" "
In loving memory of
Bennie R Bonner
August 5, 1931 - May 2, 2010
Bennie Rufus Bonner was born the eighth child in a family of nine to the late John Wesley and Minnie Whittaker Bonner on August 5, 1931 in Chambers County, Alabama. Six siblings preceded him in death. On Sunday, May 2, 2010, this loving and caring voice was silenced as he entered into eternal rest. God knew Bennie was getting weary and did what He knew best, He whispered to him quietly, come with me and rest.
Being deeply rooted with a strong spiritual foundation, at an early age, Bennie accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined the St. John Baptist Church, Lanett, Alabama under the pastorage of Rev. Wm. P. King.
He received his early education from the St. John Church School in Chambers County. He enlisted in the United State Army in 1952 and was honorably discharged in 1954. He re-located after his discharge to Brooklyn, New York.
After moving to New York, Bennie joined the Freewheel Baptist Church in Jamaica, New York where the Rev. Ronald Simpkins was pastor. He continued to work untirely in the church by serving as a Deacon and Trustee.
He was united in Holy Matrimony to Marion Virginia Cumberlander on July 2, 1956 who preceded him in death on April 2, 2010. God blessed this union of 53 years with three sons.
Bennie worked for 41 years at the Avalon Bake Shop in Brooklyn, New York as the head baker. He was a member of
Local Three: Bakery and Confectionary Union.
After retiring, Bennie and his wife moved back home to Lanett, Alabama and re-united with the St. John Baptist Church under the pastorage of Rev. Walter L. Darden. He attended church faithfully and worked with the Brotherhood Ministry until his health began to fail.
Bennie's gentle spirit will be missed, but his memories will always be in our hearts until we meet again. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories, three sons, Ivan Keith Bonner, Jamaica, NY; Kenneth G. Bonner and Bennett R. (Chrystal) Bonner, Lanett, AL; two sisters, Mae Ethel Potts and Leola Haynes, Atlanta, GA; two sisters-in-law, Oreatha (James) Hardy, Lanett, AL, Beulah K. Johnson, New York, NY; four grandchildren, four great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins and treasured friends.
Interment: St. John Cemetery
Tributes
"Love and Miss You "Old Dad." Now you and "Gee" can be together again. Hard to imagine you without her anyway. I know that she sent for you."