W. Fred Bonney, 1897-1990

The Rev. W. Fred Bonney was born November 22, 1897, in Knotts Island, North Carolina; however, at the age of 6 months, he became a Virginian as his parents moved to Princess Anne County.

Upon graduation from Creeds School, Fred began his successful career with various railroad companies. In his first job with Norfolk and Southern Railroad, he advanced from a file clerk to the head of their accounting department. He served as comptroller for the Atlantic and Danville Railroad and the Tennessee Central Railroad, and later became assistant to the president for Piedmont and Northern Railroad in Charlotte, North Carolina.

During these years of employment with the railroad companies, Fred was in his unofficial ministry. For instance, while "stationed" in Norfolk with the Atlantic and Danville Railroad, he directed choirs in Norfolk and Suffolk. For 25 years, he directed the Men's Chorus of the Wesleymen of Epworth Church.

While at Epworth, Fred met and later married his beloved Mary. In 1954, they moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where Fred organized and directed a choir of more than 50 voices. In addition, he taught a Sunday school class of about 150 people at Blakemore Methodist Church.

In 1961, he retired from the railroad to study for the ministry. By December 1962, he had completed the course of study for ordination and began his ministerial duties at Hawthorn Lane Methodist Church in Charlotte. Later, he and Mary returned to the Virginia conference where Fred served as minister at Knotts Island from 1967 until 1972. After a short retirement, he became associate at St. John's in Norfolk in 1973, remaining in this capacity until January 8, 1981. From that date until his death, May 6, 1990, he was the pastor emeritus at St. John's.

There was a greatness about the Rev. W. Fred Bonney. Perhaps it was his range of emotions. Though he could laugh at himself and life, he also could weep at life's sorrow. One week prior to his death he spoke of his "beloved Mary" and wept. He hoped that he "would see her soon." His emotions ran deep. Was that his greatness?

He had a spirit that drove his flesh. Just when you knew that, because of ill health, you would never see him at St. John's again, he would show up, delighted that he had fooled us again. His flesh was wearing out, but he had a spirit that would not let his flesh rest. Already he had his speech prepared for St. John's homecoming on June 3. He died with plans to live. Was that his greatness?

He was a source of inspiration during my doctoral studies. When I returned from Boston, having achieved my goal, he sent word for me to come to see him. He wanted to celebrate with me. How many people truly celebrate someone else's accomplishment? Was that his greatness?

All of the above allude to greatness, but there is more. Recently I was told, "Fred was a minister long before he went into the ministry." Wherever he was, he taught a Sunday school class or directed a choir. He was a servant within Christ's church. Our Lord once said, "If anyone would be first, he must be ...servant of all." That was Fred's greatest characteristic, servanthood.

His indomitable spirit and infectious grin will be forever etched in our memories. His life touched many.

-W. Emmett M. Diggs