Ray Douglas Bonner, born Sunday, Jan. 14, 1934, in McMinnville, passed from this life Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022.
He was preceded in death by his father, Leonard Glen Bonner, his mother Sarah Gladys Dunham Bonner, and his brother Carlos Dean Bonner, as well as special uncles and aunts, Arnold and Rufene Curtis Dunham and Joe and Hazel Dunham Biles.
He was also preceded in death by numerous Bonner aunts, uncles and cousins. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 53 years, Yvonne Hendrixson Bonner; daughters Ann (Chris) Whitefield and Jane (Matthew) Brown; grandchildren Hayden Hildreth (fiancé Sara Panter), Corbin Hildreth, Cooper Brown, Cale Brown and Kaylee Whitefield; sisters-in-law Geraldine Cook and Clarene Hendrixson; and first cousins Steve and Stanley Biles. Douglas had many cherished friends throughout the years that preceded him in death, including Bob Cantrell, Lee Earl Lorance, and all the men at Standard Auto Parts.
Surviving friends include Bob’s wife Juanita Cantrell and Clay Farler who baptized him into Christ. Soon after graduating from Morrison High School, Douglas proudly served his country in the United States Army. He enjoyed telling tales of working alongside his grandfather and great uncles logging on the mountain for their sawmill, running a general store, and various other activities. Later on, he co-owned a scrap metal business, worked for a commercial construction company, and was a welding inspector for TVA.
Mr. Bonner retired in 2001 from Whirlpool Corporation after 18 years. Over the years, Douglas traveled to 40 states including Alaska and also visited Mexico. Douglas was always happiest outside, often going for long walks and rambling around on country roads for hours on end. He spent most of his free time, in his later years, working in his garden, digging around in his yard, and generally tinkering around with stuff.
He worked hard at everything and was determined to teach his children and grandchildren to do the same. His work ethic, appreciation of nature, devotion to family, and service to neighbors is how Douglas will be remembered. Graveside services were 2 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 4, at Mt. View Cemetery in McMinnville with Bro. Dan Gulley officiating.
There was not be any visitation or services at the funeral home, family and friends met at Mt. View Cemetery for the graveside service at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to the Smithville Church of Christ Work Camp or to the charity of your choice, in memory of Mr. Douglas. DeKalb Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) Oct. 21, 2022
