Howard Elmo Bonds

BONDS

SPANISH FORT, ALABAMA

Howard Elmo Bonds, a long-time resident of Spanish Fort, AL, passed away in his home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 at the age of 82. 

Howard was born in Double Springs, Alabama and was one of seven children. He was preceded in death by his sister, Hildred Martin Jeffreys; and brother, Bill McRae. All of them, along with their spouses, enjoy a unique bond and a fierce love for one another that was never more evident than in the last days of Howard’s life, as they rallied around his bedside caring for his every need. He leaves behind his beloved sisters and brother: Millie (Marvin) Minton, Helen (Bo) McVay, Martha Adams, and Eddie (Debby) Bonds. 

Howard was preceded in death by his loving wife, Betty Bonds, for whom he selflessly loved and cared for with supernatural endurance, as she faced her own health battles. He is survived by their daughters, Amy (Aaron) Campbell, Christian (Nathan) Terrell; and five grandchildren that affectionately referred to him as Papa or PopPop: Howard ‘Ward’ Campbell, Christian Campbell, Clark Terrell, James Terrell, and Ford Terrell,

He is also survived by his wife, Shirley Bonds, her two daughters, and four grandchildren, that he happily loved as his own: Kristin (Robert) Pfeffle, Lauren (Chris) Huemmer, Sara Huemmer, Andrew Huemmer, Jordan Pfeffle, and Kate Pfeffle. 

Howard worked tirelessly for more than 40 years as an auctioneer and realtor. He boldly promised that he could sell anything! And he truly was a showman and a uniquely gifted auctioneer. But his real work was behind the scenes, ministering to countless clients as they navigated the loss of a loved one or their move out of independent living. He enjoyed his work and knew that it was more than just selling material things. What he didn’t realize until very recently, was the impact he had on the people that worked alongside him. Although his health declined rapidly, and very unexpectedly, many of the young men and women, most of them just kids when they had worked with him, came by to show their sincerest appreciation, give him words of encouragement and care for him as they would their own family. Their love for him was a precious gift and one that he would never have expected. In the last days of his life, Howard was surrounded by people that loved him and felt the presence and peace that only his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ can provide. Howard assured us that while he did not want to die, he was not afraid of death. He knew that his work and his investment in eternal things would not be in vain.  

A service celebrating Howard’s life will be held at East Pointe Baptist Church, in Spanish Fort, Alabama, on Thursday, June 6, at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will begin at noon. 

ARRANGEMENTS BY

WOLFE-BAYVIEW

FUNERAL HOMES

& CREMATORY, INC.

27409 US HWY 98

DAPHNE, AL

(251)625-2900

www.wolfefuneralhomes.com