Name: Visitation for Frederick Charles Bonner Sr.
Start: 2017-03-04T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2017-03-04T22:00:00.000Z
Location: McCoy Funeral Home - Blacksburg

Frederick Charles Bonner, Sr.

Blacksburg, VA

Frederick Charles Bonner, Sr., age 78, of Blacksburg, Virginia passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017, at Lewis Gale Medical Center in Salem, VA. He was born in Raleigh, North Carolina on February 2, 1939, to the late Frederick Dodd and Sarah McCullers Bonner. Fred grew up in Aurora, NC and was an avid outdoorsman and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. In his youth, he was an Eagle Scout and served in the Air Force. He earned a BS in Wildlife Management from North Carolina State University and worked as a research biologist for the Pamlico Marine Laboratory as well as a fish and wildlife manager for the state of Delaware. Upon returning to NC, Fred wrote the Sunday outdoor column for the Raleigh News and Observer before serving as the editor of the newspaper's outdoor magazine, Carolina Adventure. His syndicated column appeared in numerous North Carolina newspapers, including the Washington Daily News. He also served as the outdoor editor for the North Carolina and Virginia News Network, broadcasting daily radio shows on as many as 135 radio stations. He is survived by his wife, Cynthia Bonner, of Blacksburg, VA; his son Frederick Charles Bonner, Jr. and wife Michelle of Aurora, NC; his son James McCullers Bonner of Delaware City, DE; and his daughter Jennette Moreno and husband Michael of Houston, TX. Also surviving is his self-adopted Icelandic brother, Oli Bjarnason and wife Manwai of TX. Grandchildren include Patrick Bonner, Forrest Bonner, Clarissa Bonner, Harrison Moreno, and Reese Moreno. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 pm on Saturday, March 4 at the McCoy Funeral Home, 150 Country Club Dr. SW, Blacksburg, VA. A memorial service will be held during the Memorial Day weekend in eastern North Carolina. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Fisheries and Wildlife program in the College of Natural Resources at NC State, www.cnr.ncsu.edu

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Published by The News and Observer from Mar. 1 to Mar. 3, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Frederick Bonner

Sponsored by McCoy Funeral Home - Blacksburg.

11 Entries

Joerg Pradel

April 18, 2017

When we came to America 47 years ago, we entered Fred's world in Delaware, a large habitat with lobsters,clams and fish, enriched by Fred's love and respect for wild nature and the sea. This carried on later when we visited the Bonners in Aurora and observed stingrays and crabs, enjoying Fred's hospitality. generosity and his large knowledge about nature.

We only had one chance to answer his hospitality in Germany and always hoped for a second time.

We miss you Fred.
Our sincere condolences to Cynthia and the families of Charles, James
and Jenny.

Helga and Joerg Praedel
Hamburg / Germany

March 11, 2017

Fred was the renaissance man I would long to be...met him late in life while working with the estate of my Godmother, an extended family member of Fred's. ALthough he didn't know me, he immediately took me in under his wing into the world of Aurora NC.on the Pamlico.

I learned so much about the lowland region and folks from Fred, an area Id never had the good fortune to explore, and he was quite the guide, to both fishing and the world at large.

Full of tales, tall and small, he was a delight to be around for 5 minutes or five hours.

I miss you, Fred, and Julia and I owe you and Cindy my gratitude for .....everything.

Gods blessings to your family...thinking about you when I cast a line, in particular,

Philip Baker,
Forest Va

434-385-0549

Blucher Ehringhaus

March 5, 2017

Those of us who came into Fred's world were treated to many things...his hospitality, his generosity, his intellect, his humor, his experience, and of course his stories. He was a wonderful guy...a man's man for sure, and I am grateful for the time I spent with him. He touched all of us Northern Lights Boys, and we shall remember him fondly. Our sincere condolences to the entire Bonner Family!!

John O'Donnell

March 4, 2017

Chuck & Family, I've just learned of Fred's death. He was a truly unique individual, accomplished in many areas, who will be remembered by family & friends as a steadfast companion Deepest sympathy to all

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March 3, 2017

To the Bonner family, we extend our deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. As you take each day one step at a time and hold on to loving memories and joyful times spent together, may God grant you strength to see each day through
(2 Corinthians 4:7).--ERJ

Michael Faw

March 3, 2017

To the Bonner Family:

Fred was the ultimate giver and helped me begin my career as an outdoor writer and communicator. I went to my first SHOT show and first OWAA conference under his wing. I enjoyed hearing his tales of travels, most recent boat and motor ideas, and his energetic plans for future travels. the world is a smaller place without Fred.

Warmest regards,

Michael D. Faw
Aurora OREGON

Mo Krochmal

March 2, 2017

I'm so sorry for your loss. Fred was a great influence on my professional career. With his mentorship, I learned about outdoor writing and improved as a journalist. I loved speaking with him about his reporting plans and then seeing his columns come into the Daily News. I will never forget Fred and always remember him when I see a fish swimming free in the ocean or a river or a lake or a pond.

Jeffrey Thomas

March 1, 2017

I will always be indebted to Fred early on in my fishing career. He was the first to take a young wannabe pro fisherman to the Roanoake River striper fishing. The first to take me serious in my fishing endeavors to use me as reference in his editorials and articles. And the first to give me a coveted magazine cover shot. Fred was a good man, one I respected his views both on outdoors and life. Sorry for your loss. The ole Carolina Adventure Skiff will surely be welcomed in heaven now.

Lucie Long

March 1, 2017

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Fred Bonner. He was such a huge part of my life during our Carolina Adventure years. He taught me a love of the outdoors that I still treasure!

March 1, 2017

I will always appreciate my time with Fred. He was my editor for a while and my friend for much longer. We enjoyed a few interesting adventures also. My thoughts and prayers go out to Fred's family. Jerry Dilsaver

WILLIAM( BONNER) ARCHBELL

March 1, 2017

DEAR CYNTHIA, AND REST OF THE BONNER FAMILY ! I CAN,T BEGIN TO ESPRESS HOW SAD I WAS TO HEAR ABOUT FRED > HE WAS A HELL OF A GUY, WHOM I,VE THOUGHT A LOT OF SINCE GROWING UP IN AURORA AS A CHILD, I PRAY GOD WILL COMFORT, AND GUIDE THE FAMILY IN DAYS TO COME. GOD BLESS !

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