Bobby Ray Bonds

  Rev. Bobby Ray Bonds, age 94, of Harrisburg, NC passed away on May 2, 2026. He graduated from Burlington High School, Catawba College, and Yale Divinity School. He spent sixty years in ministry, serving seven congregations in Connecticut, West Virginia, and central North Carolina.

  He was preceded in death by his wife, Elsie Carol Clapp Bonds; his parents, Gurly George Bonds and Helen Honeycutt Bonds; his sister, Janie Bonds Allen; and his brother, Jerry Bonds. He is survived by his brother John Edward Bonds (Donna).

  In 1955, he married Elsie Carol Clapp, and they were blessed with three surviving children: Jonathan Bonds (Marty), Alison Bonds (Larry Levine), and Chrisanna Voight (Martin); and five grandchildren: Margaret Bonds, Virginia Bonds, Jennifer Levine, Alex Voight, and Ellie Voight.

  Bobby was a “people” person. He spent his ministry showing that love was the answer. He especially enjoyed visiting the elderly. He woke up many daytime sleepers with his loud voice.

  Bobby and Elsie were married for 70 years and loved to travel, visiting thirty-seven countries. They hosted exchange students from New Zealand and Australia and were fortunate to visit them in their home country. They never met a stranger and could make anyone feel at ease.

  Bobby believed in the mission of the United Church of Christ. He championed the rights of people and their choices. During his time at Christ Church in Martinsburg, WV, the congregation sponsored Cambodian refugees, helping them find housing and jobs while adjusting to life in the United States. His migrant ministry brought joy to apple pickers through weekly fun and fellowship, as well as being an advocate for health services for migrant workers.

  Bobby and Elsie endowed scholarships at Catawba College and Yale Divinity School. Together, they were faithful contributors to Habitat for Humanity-Cabarrus County, The Community Free Clinic in Cabarrus County, and Trinity United Church of Christ. One of Bobby’s greatest joys in life was presenting the keys to new Habitat for Humanity homeowners.

  Bobby loved chocolate. Let us all hope that in his next adventure there will be plenty of chocolate chip cookies!

  A joint memorial service for Bobby and Elsie Bonds will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Trinity United Church of Christ, 38 Church St. NE, Concord, NC, followed by a reception in the church fellowship hall. Contributions in Bobby’s memory can be made to Trinity United Church of Christ, 38 Church St. N, Concord, NC 28025 or Habitat for Humanity-Cabarrus County, 8 Church St. S, Concord, NC 2025 or The Community Free Clinic, 528-A Lake Concord Rd. NE, Concord, NC 28025.