Julian Claude Bonner

Julian Claude Bonner December 18, 1946 – July 28, 2025

Julian Claude Bonner, born to Cleophas Theoplas Bonner and Lucy Evelyn Smith, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2025, at the age of 78. He was a proud member of the U.S. Marine Corps and a devoted husband, friend, and community member.

Claude graduated from Boone High School in 1967, after which he enlisted in the Marine Corps. In 1967, he was wounded in action, spending 11 months, 28 days, and 4 hours in traction. Surrounded by the love of family and friends, he retired in 1968 as a Corporal E4 and was a recipient of the Purple Heart.

After his service, Claude worked alongside his father as a block mason, building strength in his body and resilience in his spirit. He later attended FTU and Valencia Community College, earning an associate’s degree in the arts. He then dedicated his career to helping veterans find employment, working for the State of Florida. Later, Claude took on the role of associate mailroom supervisor at Florida Fruit and Vegetable.

In 1983, Claude married the love of his life, Emmalee. Together, they shared a passion for collecting vintage furniture and Coca-Cola memorabilia. They opened their own store, “Em’s Attic: Furniture, Stuff, Nonsense,” where they made lasting memories.

In his retirement, Claude found joy in his yard, often spending hours tending to his garden, pulling weeds, and chatting with neighbors. He was affectionately known as "The Mayor of Pickfair" and "Chief Many Ruffle Feathers." As the founder of Pickfair Tribal Mask Co., he left his mark on the neighborhood. Although Claude and Emmalee did not have any children of their own, they loved all the children on their block as if they were their own. He was known to many as "Santa Claude," bringing joy to his friends’ children for many years.

Claude’s love for animals was also evident in his life, as he cherished his pets—Snickers, Mona, Porter, and, most recently, Parker.

Claude bravely fought prostate cancer, a result of his exposure to Agent Orange during his time in Vietnam. He battled the disease for nearly a decade but passed away peacefully, free from pain, on July 28, 2025.

A visitation will be held at Carey Hand Colonial Funeral Home on Saturday, August 16th at 12:30 PM, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 PM. There will be no events following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando or Northwest Florida Great Dane Rescue.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Rest in peace, my love.