Mr. Rufus Bonner, Jr. was born on August 1, 1948 in Madison, Florida to Rufus and Gladys Bonner Sr. He was the eldest of three siblings and was called “Bootie” by his loving family. Rufus was affectionately called “Bonnerman” by his fishing buddies and “Red” by his pool buddies.
Rufus graduated from Madison County Training School in Madison, Florida. Thereafter, he attended Edward Waters College in Jacksonville, Florida where he met his lovely wife, Ethel Gardner. In 1971, he married Ethel and from this union, one son and two daughters were born.
Rufus worked at the Jacksonville Port Shipyard and Core Carriers. He was a renown fisherman, gardener, golfer and an all-around outdoorsman. He loved his family and made providing for them his number one priority.
Rufus departed this life on Tuesday, July 31, 2018, a day before his 70th birthday. He was preceded in death by his father and brother.
Rufus leaves to cherish his memories: a loving wife, Ethel Bonner; three children, Natasha Parks (Matthew), Darius Bonner and Shari Bonner of Atlanta, Georgia; mother, Gladys Bonner of Madison, Florida; sister, Marva Ray of Tampa, Florida; two grandchildren, Anosha Watts and Matthew Parks II; aunt, Ceola Thomas of Jacksonville, Florida; sister-in-law, Mary Rossettos of Washington, DC; brother-in-law, Herman Gardner of Florence, SC; lifelong friends, John Thornton and Rosemary Thornton; a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and many devoted friends.
Rufus Bonner passed away Tuesday, July 31st, 2018. Arrangements in Care of: Funerals by T.S. Warden, 904-765-1234
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