JESSE RAY BONNER

Jesse Ray Bonner, age 55, passed away April 4, 2020 at his home in Winkler. He was born October 29, 1964 to Preston and Verna Ann Bonner.

He is survived by wife Lisa Bonner of Coppell, father Preston Bonner and wife Sue of Corsicana, brothers Wayne Bonner and wife Mackie of Lorena, Pressly Bonner and wife Jasmine of Kaufman. He is survived by children Justin Bonner and wife Jami of Ennis, Lela Erwin and husband John Michael of Teague, Bradley Bonner and wife Adalelia of Fairfield, Jesse Reed and Rylie Ann Bonner of Coppell. He is also survived by grandchildren Skylar, Ryleigh, Ashlyn, Parker and Townes.

Jesse is preceded in death by mother, Verna Bonner, grandparents Jesse and Opal Bonner, Vernon Spurgeon and Ann Lohden.

Jesse graduated from Fairfield High School in 1983 and was active in the band and on the football team. In school he was known as J. Ray.

He was always a hard-worker, even in his earlier years. Growing up on the farm, he helped his dad and granddad with the cattle operation. From an early age, he loved the family property at Winkler, and continued to enjoy working and hunting there.

At 12 years old, he and his brother maintained the cemetery at St. Elmo. While still in high school, he worked for Sears in Fairfield in sales and appliance repair.

After graduation, he worked for Nucor Steel in Jewett until 1992. In 1992, he purchased the gun shop in Corsicana, and it was renamed Jesse’s Gun Shop. It continues to serve the community.

He was especially helpful to many law enforcement officials, both here and in surrounding jurisdictions. He was very generous with donations to many fundraisers, including those for veterans.

J. Ray became a Christian and was baptized at an early age. Along with his family, he faithfully attended New Hope Baptist, St. Elmo. Later in life, he became a member of First Baptist Church, Richland. On occasion, he sang specials and played the guitar at church services.

Visitation with the family will be come and go on April 9 at Corley Funeral Home from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a private graveside following at St. Elmo Cemetery at 3 p.m., with David Franklin and Chris Marsh officiating. Jesse’s family will serve as pallbearers, and the first-responders of Navarro County will be honorary pallbearers.

There will be a Celebration of Jesse’s Life at a later date, and the information will become available on the Corley Funeral Home website as soon as the schedule is set.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Elmo Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 125, Streetman, TX 75859, charity or church of your choice.

An online guestbook is available at www.corleyfuneralhome.com by selecting the Jesse Ray Bonner obituary.