Ray Malone Bonner

Ray Malone Bonner was born August 29th, 1937 in Iron Hill, Texas, to Malone and Ora Mae Bonner and passed away in Tyler on February 25, 2021 at the age of 83.

Ray was married to Nancy Hardy Bonner for 61 years. They made their home in Mt. Selman, Texas, and he was a member of Mt. Selman Methodist Church where he served as lay leader, Sunday school superintendent and worked with the youth. Ray began working at the age of 14 in construction as a heavy equipment operator and worked almost 60 years until his retirement. Ray worked for Buckner Construction in Jacksonville for over 30 years

Ray served in the National Guard, stationed in Fort Ord, California. He served in active duty in Fort Polk, Louisiana, in the 49th armored division during the Berlin Crisis.
Ray’s pride and joy were his family and his love of antique cars, including his 1956 Chevy’s.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents; his son Darryl Bonner; his sisters Vivian Young, Elsie Whatley and his brother Paul Bonner.

Ray is survived by his wife Nancy; children Mona Claiborne and husband Robbie of Tyler, Patty Terry Bonner of Jacksonville, Cara Kettrick and husband Robbie of Jacksonville, Jerel Bonner and wife Michon of Jacksonville, Ben Bonner and wife Lindsey of Tyler; 10 grandchildren and 2 great grand-children and numerous nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be March 5th at Boren Conner Chapel in Bullard Texas from 6-8pm. The family will hold a private graveside service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Final resting place will be Mixon Cemetery in Mixon, Tx.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Mt. Selman United Methodist Church, 133 CR 3701, Bullard, Tx 75757