Ronny Dale Bonds, 54, passed peacefully at the home he built with the love of life, Debra Miller, and his sister Kim Bonds Aldridge by his side.
Born on 10 June 1966 to Billy Don and Billie Jo Phelps Bonds McKendree Brown in Marshall County, he entered the world moving and never slowed down. A gifted craftsman in carpentry and tile work, he also loved all dachshunds and his German Shepherd Dixie, fishing, gardening, NASCAR, Auburn football, riding 4-wheelers, hosting gatherings for family and friends, hunting wild mushrooms, landscaping, and watching the many birds at the feeders in his yard. His generous heart, beautiful green eyes, gorgeous smile, funny stories and practical jokes will be missed by everyone who knew him.
Known as a perfectionist in his work, Ronny gave credit to many people for the blessings in his life. He said his father Billy taught him to garden, work hard, and that dachshunds were the best dogs in the world. His mother Jo taught him to ride horses, a good work ethic, and the love of country cooking. His step-father Bob McKendree taught him his life’s work, carpentry and tile work. And his step-mother Carolyne taught him the Bible and to love history, especially the history of Between the Rivers. Brother J.T. Parish lead him to Christ as a child and Debra Miller taught him the transforming power of unconditional love in his personal life. He, in turn, taught all his sons both carpentry and tile work.
He and Debra attended Impact Church in Benton, Kentucky, just one of the many churches and the Christians who have lifted him up in prayer over the years as he battled cancer. He reassured all who knew him that he had seen Heaven which was too beautiful to describe with mere words and he was not afraid of death, but he did hate to leave those he loved here.
Ronny is survived by the following: the love of his life Debra Miller, Aurora, KY; his parents Billy and Carolyne Martin Bonds, Fredonia, KY; his daughter Danielle Bonds Minter, Benton, KY; his son Brandon Bonds, Cold Water, KY; the sons of his heart Jeremy Miller (Valeria), Valley, AL, and Justin Miller (Alyssa), Camp Hill, AL; his dachshund Rosie who refused to leave his side during these last months; brothers Phillip Don Bonds (Cherie), Tri-City, KY, Trace Bonds, Fredonia, KY, and Tim McKendree (Barbie), Hardin, KY; sisters Kim Aldridge (David), Murray, KY, and Karen Darnell (Allen), Benton, KY; foster sister Jennifer Wright (Rana), Smithland, KY; and special great-niece Saydei Claire Bonds. He is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins, and countless friends.
He also leases to posterity a passel of grandchildren who are going to miss their PaPa and will do their best to comfort Granny Dee in his absence including Clarity Bonds, David Bonds, Elizabeth Bonds, Jason “Knucklehead” Bonds, Kaylan Bonds, Starlet Bonds, Wyatt Bonds, Carter Miller, Faith Miller, Hunter Miller, Joshua Miller, Julianna “JuJu” Miller, Kaylan Miller, Peyton Miller, Tucker Miller, and last but not least, James Michael “Boogie” Minter.
Ronny was preceded in death by his mother Billie Jo Phelps Brown, his step-father Bob McKendree, his beloved son Matthew William “Matt” Bonds, his niece and sidekick Brittany Taylor “Britt” Bonds, and infant siblings Angela Carol Bonds, Donnie and Lonnie Bonds, and Sharon Bonds.
A funeral service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, June 27, 2020 at Collier Funeral Home, located at 211 West 5th St, Benton, KY 42025 with Ronny’s uncle Bro. Darrol Byrd officiating.
Interment will be in Henry Lady Cemetery in the Lyon County portion of Land Between the Lakes, KY.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Friday, 26 June 2020, at Collier Funeral Home.