Carl Glenn Bonds, CLU, ChFC's Obituary
Carl Glenn Bonds, CLU, ChFC - dedicated husband, father, grandfather, Baylor Bear, Deacon and friend - passed away peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, January 3, 2024.
Carl was born to Delpha and Carl Bonds in Pampa, TX on December 29, 1936. A native of Plainview and the son of a farmer, he learned the value of hard work, and a mother who made music a part of their daily life. Carl graduated from Plainview High School in 1955. He was a varsity athlete, band member, on the debate team and other school activities. A graduate of Baylor University with a B.A. in Math, Carl was active in a men's service club, Baylor Chamber of Commerce club, that sponsored the live Baylor bears, the annual football banquet, Homecoming parade and placed a priority on "Anything for Baylor" which was the club motto! Carl continued with his support of Baylor throughout his life. He and his wife Rita are actively involved in Baylor activities, current season ticket holders for football and women's basketball, and have established two endowed scholarships. They both are on the Dean's Board of the Louise Harrington Baylor School of Nursing and involved with the Nursing School Gala each year. Carl loved his Baylor Bears!
After college, Carl began his business career in Dallas as a trainee in the Group Department of the Equitable Life Assurance Society of New York City. At that time, it was the third largest life insurance company in the U.S. and the originator of Group Insurance. Following assignments in Charlotte, Atlanta and Houston, Carl returned to Dallas as the Division Manager-Group Operations of the Texas/Oklahoma Division, with offices in Dallas, Houston, and Oklahoma City. He held this position for over 10 years. His responsibilities included sales and account management of Group Life, Medical, Dental, Disability and other coverages, plus Investment Management of Qualified Plan funds. The clients his division managed was extensive, including many Fortune 500 companies and other clients including the Richardson Independent School District. Carl received numerous company awards and in 1982 was recognized as Outstanding Performer, one of twelve employees nationally that were selected that year! In 1988, Carl established Bonds Benefits Company, Inc which he still was operating until his passing.
Carl and Rita are active members in the Heights Baptist Church. Carl was Chairman of Deacons, established the Widowers ministry, sang in the choir, formerly served as a Sunday school teacher, and active in other Church ministries and Sunday school class.
Carl was an active Rotarian for 48 years. His service started in the Dallas Rotary club before moving to the Richardson Central Rotary Club. He is a member of the Paul Harris Society! Carl served twice as President of the Richardson Central Rotary Club. During his second term, he helped establish the Richardson Central Rotary Club Foundation! He served two terms on the Richardson Rotary Club Board of Directors and Membership Chair.
Carl was blessed to have 2 families. He met his first wife Celia Middlebrooks when he first moved to Dallas, they have two children together, Janis and Steve. Carl was blessed to meet and marry Rita Murrell in 1981 and they had a loving marriage of 42 years, they have one son, Scott. He enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. He would always make everyone feel special!
Through the years, Carl and Rita enjoyed traveling, sporting events, spending time with their family and their pets. You would often see Carl playing golf, tennis, riding his bike, vacationing in the mountains, and most recently playing pickleball.
Carl was a true believer in Family, Faith, and Service! Carl followed the motto he learned in college "Anything for his family"!
Carl is predeceased by his parents Delpha and Carl A. Bonds, and nephew Wayne Spaulding.
Carl is survived by his wife, Rita; children Steve and his wife Jacque, Scott and his wife Emily, and Janis and her husband Marty Harper; grandchildren, Zach Bonds, Zane Bonds, Brody Bonds, Brady Bonds, Paige Harper, Luke Harper, Will Harper, Beattie Southerland, and Blake Southerland; his sister Norma and her husband Bob Spaulding; sister-in-law Carol Mitchell and husband A.L. Mitchell and family, and lifelong Plainview friend James Thruston.
Visitation: Tuesday, January 9th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Restland Funeral Home
13005 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, Texas 75243
Memorial Service: Wednesday, January 10th, 11:00 am
The Heights Baptist Church
201 West Renner Road
Richardson, Texas 75080
The family of Carl Bonds requests memorial gifts be made to the Carl and Rita Bonds Endowed Scholarship Fund in Nursing, at Baylor University, One Bear Place #97050, Waco, TX 76798-7050, or make a gift online at https://bbis.baylor.edu/give?id=49837&a=2&f=442SFTF. Please note the gift is in his memory.
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