Dates
Charles “Charlie” Grover Bonds went to be with his Heavenly Father on Friday, November 6th, 2026, in Conroe, Texas, surrounded by loving family.
Charlie was born on February 13, 1945, in Jacksonville, Florida, at the U.S. Naval Hospital while his father was serving in the United States Coast Guard. He spent his childhood in Houston, Texas, where from an early age, Charlie demonstrated a deep faith in God that would guide and sustain him throughout his life. He remained a devoted follower of Christ, faithfully serving in Baptist churches and ministries wherever life led him.
Charlie excelled academically and athletically during his years at Sam Houston High School, graduating in 1963. A three-year varsity basketball letterman, he was named Athlete of the Year during his senior year. His leadership extended beyond the basketball court as president of the student booster club and president of the school’s National Honor Society.
Following high school, Charlie attended the newly established Houston Baptist College (now Houston Christian University), where he became the institution’s first recipient of a full athletic scholarship. During his four-year basketball career, he scored more than 1,000 points and earned numerous distinctions. He served in student government, was named Mr. HBC, received the President’s Award for Most Outstanding Student, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in May 1967. In 2015, he was honored as a member of the university’s 1960s All-Decade Team.
One of the most significant moments of Charlie’s college years was meeting the love of his life, Carol Ann Halliday. Their story began when Charlie offered to help Carol Ann move into her dormitory. What started as a simple act of kindness blossomed into a lifelong partnership built on faith, friendship, and unwavering devotion. The two were married on October 12, 1968, in Jackson, Mississippi, and shared more than 56 wonderful years together.
After graduating from college, Charlie honorably served in the Air Force National Guard and was discharged with the rank of staff sergeant in 1974. He began his professional career with Tenneco Pipeline and Transco Companies in Houston, where he and Carol Ann welcomed their daughter, Paula, and son, Craig.
In 1980, the family relocated to Central Texas, where Charlie began a distinguished 28-year career with Scott & White Hospital in Temple. As Personnel Benefits Manager and later as Director of Benefits for Physicians and Executive Staff, he earned respect for his professionalism, dedication, and integrity. Away from work, Charlie embraced rural life on the family farm near Holland in Bell County, developing a passion for cattle ranching and the outdoors.
Family was at the center of Charlie’s life. Whether attending ball games, school activities, church programs, or family gatherings, he was a constant and devoted presence. He was known for his tireless work ethic, meticulous organization and neatness, and pursuit of excellence in every endeavor. He treasured family vacations and especially enjoyed active outdoor adventures with those he loved most.
Following his retirement, Charlie and Carol Ann relocated to San Angelo, where they built deep and lasting friendships over the next two decades. He continued to serve his community and his faith by participating on the San Angelo National Prayer Breakfast Board and the West Texas Boys Ranch Board of Directors, including service as chairman. He also taught Sunday School at First Baptist Church of San Angelo, sharing his faith and wisdom with countless others.
Perhaps Charlie’s greatest legacy was the example he set for his family. He faithfully shared his love for Jesus Christ, demonstrated a steadfast moral compass, and consistently affirmed his unconditional love for those around him. Few things brought him greater joy than investing in the lives of his children and four granddaughters, teaching them through both words and example, and sharing with them his love of sports, faith, and outdoor activities.
Charlie was preceded in death by his parents, Grover Bonds and Lola Pauline “Polly” Bonds, and by his beloved wife, Carol Ann Bonds.
He is survived by his sister, Janice “Jan” Knox and her husband, Aubrey Knox; his daughter, Paula Catherine Richardson and her husband, Brian Richardson; his son, Charles Craig Bonds and his wife, Monica Bonds; his cherished granddaughters, Megan DiCenzo, Allison DiCenzo, Carly Bonds, and Macy Bonds; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, cousins, nephews, nieces, and dear friends.
Charlie’s life was marked by unwavering faith, devoted love for his family, faithful service to others, and a commitment to excellence in all he did. His example will continue to inspire all who knew him, and his legacy will live on through the many lives he touched. Though he will be deeply missed, his family rejoices in the assurance that he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in San Angelo on Thursday, November 19, at 4 p.m., with visitation immediately following in the church fellowship hall. A brief graveside service and burial will be held on Friday, November 20, at 1 p.m. at Val Verde Church Cemetery near Holland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the West Texas Boys Ranch, or a charity of your choice.