William McKinley Bonds, age 72, of Bedford, Virginia departed this life on Sunday, January 6, 2019.  He was born on December 14, 1946 to the late Floyd and Edith Bonds.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Willie Bonds, Johnny Bonds, and Floyd Bonds, Jr.

William, affectionately known as "Red" by family and friends was a loving husband, father, and friend.  He loved his grandchildren unconditionally.  He often told Jerry and Jerica they were his heartbeats. He was baptized at an early age and was a member of Bold Branch Baptist Church.  He was educated in Bedford County Public Schools.  During his career, William was a dedicated employee with AB Burton and English Construction Company.  He also loved to race, he leaves that legacy to Jerry Sr. and Jerry Jr.  He was an avid builder and could build anything. He loved to spend lots of time with his family.

William leaves to cherish his many memories, his loving and devoted wife of 50 years, Jacquelyn E. Bonds; one daughter, Jennifer (Jerry Sr.) Thompson of Bedford, VA; one son, William (Charlotte) Cobb of Colonial Heights, VA; four grandchildren, Jerry Thompson, Jr., Jerica Thompson, and Cassie Cobb, all of Bedford, VA and Allison Cobb of Prince George, VA; three great grandchildren; two sisters, Sandra Bonds of Bedford, VA and Blanche (Earl) Harris of Columbus, OH; two brothers, James Bonds of Columbus, OH and Otis (Sherry) Bonds of Lynch Station, VA; two aunts, Eva Austin of Evington, VA and Betty Parker of Bedford, VA;  mother and father-in-law James (Louise) Hayden of Bedford, VA; two  sisters-in-law, Fannie Martin of Charlottesville, VA and Eleanor (Robert) Kasey of Greenville, NC; goddaughter, Teena Smith of Culpeper, VA; a devoted niece, Veronica Nellum of Atlanta, GA; Timothy Hayden (whom he thought of as a son) of Bedford, VA;  and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.  Special friends include Mrs. June Jackson, Mr. Johnnie Harris, and Mr. and Mrs. James Ferguson.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 1:00 pm in the Bedford Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends on Thursday, January 10, 2019 from 6-7pm in the Bedford Funeral Home Chapel. Friends may view on Thursday after 12-noon until time of visitation.