Services for Mr. Russell “Rusty” Wayne Bonner will be held Friday, March 13, 2026, 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Hill Community Church with Bro. George Warner and Bro. Paul Raley officiating. Interment will follow at Springhill Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held an hour prior to service at the church.

Clarkdale Volunteer Fire Department will be serving as pallbearers.

Rusty, 82, of Lauderdale County, Mississippi, passed away peacefully on March 9, 2026.

Rusty was born on February 9, 1944, to Roy Everett Bonner and Lorene Bonner. After the early loss of his mother, he was lovingly raised by his father and stepmother, Virgie Bonner, who helped shape the man he would become.

Rusty proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam era. After returning home, he dedicated many years to public service. He served his community through the Lauderdale County Sheriff’s Department, where he later retired after managing the inmate road crew. He was also a longtime member of the Clarkdale Volunteer Fire Department, continuing his commitment to helping and protecting others. Rusty was respected for his steady leadership, fairness, and the dignity with which he treated everyone.

In January of 1971, Rusty married the love of his life, Jessie Fulton Bonner, and together they built a life centered around family, faith, and hard work.

He was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Methodist Church and a proud member of the local VFW. Rusty enjoyed motorcycles, old cars, and spending time with his family.

Rusty is survived by his son, David Bonner (Andrea), and his grandchildren: Brett Bonner (Anna Marie), Cody Bonner (Anna Marie), Troy Dukes (Julie), and Hayden Bonner (fiancée Katelyn DeWitt).

He was also the proud “Paw Paw” to six beloved great-granddaughters: Stephanie, Jessie Kay, and Maggie Elizabeth Bonner, daughters of Brett and Anna Marie; and Ava Larue, Nellah Reese, and Elsie Kate Bonner, daughters of Cody and Anna Marie.

Rusty was preceded in death by his parents, Roy Everett Bonner and Lorene Bonner, his stepmother Virgie Bonner, his beloved wife Jessie Fulton Bonner, and his sister Bonnie Porter.

Rusty will be remembered as a man who never met a stranger. He had a kind heart, quiet strength, and a genuine warmth that made people feel welcome wherever he went. Above all, he loved his family deeply and took great pride in watching them grow.

After losing Jessie last August, Rusty missed her dearly every day. Though his family grieves his loss, they take comfort in knowing that Rusty and Jessie are now joyfully reunited after a lifetime of love.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.”