Ernest Wayne Bonner

E. Wayne Bonner Obituary
Ernest Wayne Bonner, 82, of Huntsville, Alabama passed away on February 20, 2025. Wayne was born in Lawrence County, Tennessee, to Willie Lake and Flora Bass Bonner on December 14, 1942. He was one of 11 children. Following his graduation from Lawrence County High School in 1960, he attended the University of Tennessee at Martin before entering the National Guard.

Wayne’s rural roots fostered his love of the land, farming, and raising cattle, a passion he pursued throughout his adult life. Wayne was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served on the board of trustees and in many other roles over the years.

Wayne was a pillar of the community and left everything better than he found it. He served in numerous prominent roles but also served through his many acts of kindness and charitable contributions. He changed lives and left a legacy of service. He was a builder and developer presiding over Bonner Development, and owner of Bonner Land & Cattle. He was elected builder of the year by the Home Builders Association of Alabama in 1989.

He was appointed to the Board of Control of the Von Braun Center (VBC) in 1990, later serving as Chairman, where he brought leadership, stewardship, mission and dedication for many years. Under his capable guidance, the VBC served as an anchor of cultural and athletic activities as the center grew along with the city he loved. A proclamation recognizing his enduring contributions to the VBC was issued by Huntsville’s Mayor and the City Council in October of 2022.

Additionally, Wayne served as a board member of ServisFirst Bank, on the board of trustees of Randolph School, as an advisor of the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra Guild, and as a member of the Madison County Cattlemen’s Association. He served as the past President of the Home Builders Association of Alabama, the Huntsville/Madison County Builder’s Association, and the Alabama Angus Association.

Wayne loved his family, country music, cheering on his Tennessee Vols, and being at his farm.

Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Charlene (Charlie) and daughter, Caroline, along with sisters Ruth Nix of Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, and Rebecca Sharp of Etheridge, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Grant, William, Vernon “Klyce”, Allison “Loye”, Floyd Thomas, and Jerry Bonner, and sisters Barbara and Zella.

The Bonner family wishes to sincerely thank their friends and members of the community who have reached out to offer their love and support.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 12:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall at First Presbyterian Church of Huntsville followed by a funeral service at 2:00PM in the Sanctuary. A private burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Huntsville Museum of Art (300 Church St SW, Huntsville, AL 35801), or a charity of your choice.