John David Bonham

Abingdon, VA – John David Bonham, age 81, passed on Sunday, May 7, 2017, in Grace Health Care. David was born and raised in Chilhowie, VA to the late Samuel Lee Bonham and Roberta Draper Bonham. In his early years, after graduating from Virginia Tech as a member of Tau Beta Pi with a degree in chemical engineering, he worked in the family apple business, Bonham Brothers, Inc., and later for Thompson and Litton Engineering. David served on the original Smyth County Hospital and Smyth-Bland Regional Library Boards. He enjoyed amateur radio and held F.C.C license K4DPG for over 50 years. David was a member of the Lion’s Club and a life-long member of the Lutheran Church.

In addition to his parents, David is preceded in death by one brother, Samuel Bonham; and two sisters, Edna Love Bonham Love, and Mildred Clark.

He is survived by his wife, Betsy Marshall Bonham; son, D. Bivings Bonham and wife Gigi of Great Falls, VA; daughters, Beth Roberts of Abingdon, VA and Samantha Heenan and husband Chris of Wake Forest, NC; two sisters, Anne Catron of Chilhowie, VA and Sarah Boeke of Webster, FL; and five grandchildren, Sarah Roberts, Christina Taylor, Alec Bonham, Jack Bonham, and Robert Heenan.

Visitation with the family will be held 1-2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, 2017, at St. John Lutheran Church, Abingdon, VA. A memorial service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor G. Scott Homesley officiating. Interment will follow in St. James Lutheran Church Cemetery, Chilhowie, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 804, East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, in Mr. Bonham’s name. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register.

The Bonham family is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.