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Hal J. Bonney, Jr.

  • January 22, 2012
  • Norfolk, Virginia
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Memories & Candles

“Mr. Bonney was an outstanding teacher at Tidewater Academy. When I became a student teacher in 1978, I applied many of the teaching tips I learned...Read More » ”
1 of 19 | Posted by: Jim Lawrence - Virginia Beach, VA

“Mr Bonney was given gifts and graces in a special way by God. With those gifts and graces God through Mr Bonney touched so many lives. Through the...Read More » ”
2 of 19 | Posted by: A. C. Bryant - Sebring, FL

“Was sad to hear about Mr.Bonney passing away.He was a dear friend of my family through the years.He was a good friend of my dad Mr.C.G.Bailey.Mr...Read More » ”
3 of 19 | Posted by: Bonnie Bailey - Chesapeake, VA

“What a privilege and blessing to have known such a fine person. ”
4 of 19 | Posted by: Ken Ellis - Norfolk, VA

“Today I attended the funeral of a great man. His sons, without a doubt, are carrying on the mannerisms of their father and we were all blessed again....Read More » ”
5 of 19 | Posted by: Frank T Jennings - Chesapeake, VA

“I first met Judge Bonney in Atlantic Masonic Lodge in the late 80's. It was a great honor for me to meet and talk with him as I had long listened to...Read More » ”
6 of 19 | Posted by: Carlton L. Gill, Jr. - Poquoson, VA

“I remember him as a pre-teen in the '50's when he was my church S.S. Supt. I loved his brief religious talks, probably from the "Upper Room" but he...Read More » ”
7 of 19 | Posted by: Don & Sue Austin - knotts island, NC

“Althought most remember Mr. Bonney as Judge Bonney, I remember him as the best teacher I ever had. If you couldn't pass American History or...Read More » ”
8 of 19 | Posted by: Lelia Hodges Bryant - Norfolk, VA

“When my father, Clarence Lints, was diagnosed with a brain tumor, our family was devastated. My first phone call was to Judge Bonney. He was in a...Read More » ”
9 of 19 | Posted by: Karen Lints-Lindquist - Norfolk, VA

“To The Bonney Family: I know your hearts may be sorrowed by the lost of your loved one. But please take solace and comfort in knowing the many...Read More » ”
10 of 19 | Posted by: Darrell R. Crittendon - Norfolk, VA

“I will always remember Mr. Bonney as a teacher that would go the extra mile to see that you understood the subject being taught..he had away of...Read More » ”
11 of 19 | Posted by: Bill Collins - Woodbridge, VA

“WE ARE SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AS WE THOUGHT THE WORLD OF JUDGE BONNEY AS A FRIEND AND LIKE A FATHER TO US ALSO. IF THERE IS ANYTHING WE CAN DO BE...Read More » ”
12 of 19 | Posted by: RANDY AND RODESSA WHITBY - VA

“My sincere sympathy to the family. He was a caring, kind man with a hundred and one interesting stories to tell but always more interested in you...Read More » ”
13 of 19 | Posted by: Susan Hollowell - POWELLS POINT, NC

“I am a graduate of Douglas MacArthur Academy and have such fond memories of Mr. Bonney. He made a lasting impression on so many students and he will...Read More » ”
14 of 19 | Posted by: Robert J. Hartley - Gilbert, AZ

“Judge Bonney made me proud to be a Kiwanian. He enriched those around him, including me, and his death impoverishes many, including me. R.I.P....Read More » ”
15 of 19 | Posted by: Alan M Sonner - Norfolk, VA

“Hal Bonney hired me as a teacher at Tidewater Academy (later re-named Douglas MacArthur Academy) in the summer of 1961; we co-labored there for the...Read More » ”
16 of 19 | Posted by: Wayne Massey - Bluefield, VA

“Judge Bonney was a dear neighbor and friend. We extend our sincere sympathy to his family. He was a great southern gentleman that we always looked...Read More » ”
17 of 19 | Posted by: Shurl & Nancy Montgomery - VA

“Judge Bonney was a great man and will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. ”
18 of 19 | Posted by: Nancy Doumar - Norfolk, VA

“Mr Bonney became principal of Tidewater Academy my senior year. He helped me in planning the courses needed to apply for college, taught me...Read More » ”
19 of 19 | Posted by: MARY A FANSHAW - virginia beach, VA


Honorable Hal J. Bonney, Jr., Father, Teacher and Federal Judge, died on January 22, 2012, in his home in Norfolk, VA, surrounded by his family. He was 82. A native of Norfolk, VA, Judge Bonney was the son of Hal J. and Mary Ellen Shackelford Bonney. He was educated in the public schools of Norfolk, Elizabeth City and Richmond and earned his B.A. and M.A. Degrees from the University of Richmond and his J.D. Degree from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law, College of William and Mary. He taught at Norview High School, was Headmaster of Douglas MacArthur Academy and taught classes for the University of Virginia, the College of William and Mary and Regent University School of Law. He was a Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for twenty-five years and served as President of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges. Since retiring, Judge Bonney has been active in the film industry and was a member of the American Film Institute, the British Film Institute and the American Cinematheque where he was active in the restoration of the Egyptian Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard. Judge Bonney was active in public life through such service as a member of the Duke Divinty School Board of Visitors, Vice President of Union Mission Ministries, a Commissioner of the Norfolk Parks and Recreation Department, and a member of the Kiwanis Club of Norfolk. He was a member of Atlantic Lodge No. 2, A.F.& A.M. A more complete history of his vastly extensive life can be found in Who's Who In America and Who's Who in the World. Judge Bonney is perhaps best remembered as the Teacher for thirty-six years of the Wesleymen Bible Class with broadcasts over WTAR Radio and telecasts over the Good News Television Network. He recently taught the class on Christmas Day 2011. He was a member of Calvary Temple Church. He is survived by two sons, Reverend David J. Bonney (Gina) of Midlothian, VA and John W. Bonney, Esq. (Petrina) of Norfolk, VA; six grandchildren, Thomas, Mary Lauren, Wesley, Jack, Olivia and Melissa; and a niece, Bonnie Sue Shumaker. He was predeceased by his beloved sister, Beverly Bonney Shumaker. A funeral service for Judge Bonney will be conducted by his sons at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2012, in the Norfolk Masonic Temple Auditorium, 7001 Granby Street, Norfolk, VA. The family will receive friends the evening before, Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Chapel of Hollomon-Brown Funeral Home, Tidewater Drive Chapel, Norfolk, VA. In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Wesleymen Bible Class, 5100 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23502.