Warner Augdon Bonner, Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Barbara Brown Bonner, and their three children, Natalie and husband Tyler Smith, Deborah and husband Scott Kelly and Warner Augdon Bonner, III and their families. Sonny graduated from the Georgia Military Academy and The University of Georgia where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He served in the US Air Force and then moved to Atlanta where he founded the Bonner Realty Company to specialize in residential real estate throughout Atlanta and formed a long successful partnership with Cousins Properties.

Upon enjoying an early retirement, Sonny applied his analytical mind for God’s glory and served in many areas of Christian volunteer work. He worked closely with Sports World Ministries and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), which included several years as the FCA’s Georgia State Director. He was presented Sports World Ministries’ Presidential Honor of Service Award and the FCA Tom Landry Lifetime Achievement Award. In recent years, he was a principal of a global missionary initiative dedicated to spreading the gospel through a concise multi-lingual printed message that was shared with millions.

All who knew Sonny were keenly aware that he lived with an uncompromising passion for the great outdoors. He was a scratch golfer in early years, a seasoned hunter and fisherman, class V whitewater rafter, an accomplished skier and sea worthy sailor. He was drawn to the outdoor’s unexplored horizons and from the great Rocky Mountains to the white sands of the Caribbean, he created cherished experiences for his family. He effortlessly instilled a strong spirit into the souls of his family, by simply being himself. As life slowed down, Sonny’s adventurous soul found a new appreciation for the little things in life by working daily in his yard with Barbara and being surrounded by God’s everyday nature and beauty.

With all his many interests and activities, he remained a man of priorities, always putting his faith and family first. The most important thing in life to him has been the welfare of his children, and that of his grandchildren, Matthew Harrison and Michael Augdon Smith, Caelyn Colette and Elizabeth Celeste Kelly. He was so very proud of each one and absolutely loved them more than life itself.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Peachtree Presbyterian Church at 11 AM on January 23, 2016 with a reception following. Dr. Marnie Crumpler and Dr. Robert Marsh will be presiding, with Mrs. Paula Smith providing vocals. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Fellowship of Christian Athletes, PO Box 352, Watkinsville, GA 30677.