Otis L. Bonner, Jr.

Suntree

“There is no remedy for love, but to love more." Henry David Thoreau.

Otis Bonner, fighter pilot extraordinaire, loved God, country, and his family.

Col. (USAF Ret.) Otis L. Bonner, Jr., passed away April 26, 2012, at the age of 79. Otis was a New Year's baby, born January 1, 1933 in Athens, Georgia, to Otis and Dora Bonner. He graduated from Athens High School, Class of 1950, and from the University of Georgia with a degree in Accounting, receiving a ROTC commission as a second Lieutenant in the US Air Force in June, 1954. Otis also graduated from Air War College in Montgomery, Alabama, and obtained a Master's Degree in Business at East Texas State University, Commerce, Texas.

November 26, 1954, in the First United Methodist Church of Cocoa, Florida, Otis married Anne Akridge, a fifth generation Floridian, and daughter of deceased Judge and Mrs. Wm. Akridge.

Otis was a fighter pilot flying over 150 combat missions in the F-4D from Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, over North Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Thailand during the Vietnam conflict. He also flew numerous maintenance test hops. His last assignment was Director of Plans at PACAF Headquarters in Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, retiring at Patrick AF Base, Florida in 1980. He received many medals and awards: Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster,Combat Readiness Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Campaign Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and the UDC Cross of Military Service Medal.

Otis always said he deserved medals for having driven his family across country from the Akridge summer mountain cabin in Moody Hollow, Hiawassee, Georgia, to Elmendorf AF Base, Anchorage, Alaska, completing the trek on the long, dusty, gravely road on the Alcan Highway; and after the four year assignment in 1963, he flew the family in their Cessna 170 from Alaska to Cocoa-Titusville Airport in Brevard County, Florida. Both trips were memorable events, especially when traveling with small children. He then reported to Perrin AF Base, Sherman-Denison, Texas, where he was an instructor in the F-102A, Delta Dagger.

Otis was a member of several patriotic organizations and Suntree United Methodist Church of Melbourne. He was also a member of the Quiet Birdmen, serving as chairman of the WingDing for many years.

Otis is survived by Anne, his wife of 57 years, and three children: Bradford Bonner and his wife, Jann, of Vero Beach; Stacy Anne Bonner, Melbourne and Otis L. Bonner, III, Esq., Atlanta, Georgia. Also, his adopted grandson, Shaun Bonner, age 18, and a graduating Senior, Magna Cum Laude in the International Baccalaureate Programme at Cocoa Beach Jr/Sr High School, and other relatives in Florida and Georgia.

Otis was preceded in death by his parents and two elder sisters, Mary Juliette "Bonnie" Bonner Redwine, wife of M.R. "Bucky" Redwine of Athens, GA, and Virginia Ann “VA” Bonner, Esq., of Atlanta, GA.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at Florida Memorial Gardens, 5950 South U.S. Highway #1, Rockledge, FL, Saturday, May 5. Viewing will be from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. with the service immediately following. Memorial donations may be sent to Vietnam Veterans of Brevard, 1125 West King Street, Cocoa, FL 32922, telephone 321-690-0805.

Condolences may be left online at www.florida-memorialfh-gardens.com

Graveside services and burial will be held later at Oconee Hill Cemetery in Athens, Georgia. Bernstein Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.

May your spirit soar like an Eagle

In the sky so blue

May it be the best flight

You ever flew

Heaven's pearly gates will open wide

Welcoming you at God's side

May you be happy and free of pain

We love you - 'Til we meet again.

Your loving family