Bonner Boyd

Bonner Boyd passed away and went to be with his heavenly father on February 17, 2023., at the age of 88.  He was born on February 10, 1935 to Clary Paul Boyd and Janice Parthenia Bonner in Fordyce, Arkansas. He was a lifelong resident of Arkadelphia graduating from Arkadelphia High School in 1953 then finishing his degree at Henderson State University in 1959. He served in the National Guard in 1957 and was in one of the units sent to enforce integration at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in September of that year. He was very artistic and painted many abstract and primitive paintings in his early career.  He also did cartoon art for a statewide Arkansas paper while in college. Bonner owned and operated Boyd's Signs for 46 years serving the Arkadelphia and surrounding areas. He created his work in several materials including metal, wood, plastic, and silk screening. He painted murals for both Ouachita Baptist and Henderson State Universities. His work was seen at many local businesses, and he also painted many Arkadelphia historical markers.

Bonner loved nature and often hiked, camped, and photographed mountains, streams, and wildlife. He also enjoyed canoeing. His favorite hobby was reading and was a lifelong reader.

He learned to play the piano and organ from his mother and often played for his own enjoyment.

As a young person he was a member of the First Baptist Church and in recent years he was involved at the New Life Church. He showed great strength and a quiet determination as he dealt with many physical problems in recent years. 

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and parents. He is survived by his brother, Wray Boyd and wife MaryAnn of Hallsville, Texas, his aunt, Ida Frank of San Antonio, Texas. nephew, Paul Boyd of Houston, Texas; niece, Beth Garrett and husband Joe of Kilgore, Texas; niece, Cynthia Boyd of Campbell, California; and several cousins; grandnephews and grandnieces. The family wishes to express sincere thanks to special friends, Connie and Keith Runyan, Caroline and Doug Taylor, and the volunteers at the Arkadelphia Senior Center for all their care and concern for Bonner. 

Services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, February 25th at Ruggles-Wilcox Funeral Home. Visitation will precede the service starting at 9:30 AM. Burial will follow at Rest Haven Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements are entrusted to Ruggles Wilcox Funeral Home, 517 Clay Street, Arkadelphia, Arkansas 71923.