Floyd Emanuel Bonham

Floyd Emanuel Bonham, of Canton went to be with his Savior on Friday, October 19, 2018, at age 82. Floyd will be lovingly remembered by his wife, M.A., his sister Carolyn Payne. Floyd was born on June 16, 1937, in Gastonia, N.C to the late Geter Jackson Bonham and Myrtle Plemmons Bonham. He was preceded in death by his son, Richard Bonham; sister, Shirley Crowder; and brother, Gerald Bonham; as well as his wife of 46 years, Clara Byrd Bonham.

Floyd and Clara raised three children, Janet Crain (late Douglas), Valerie Sutton (Scott), and Jeffrey Bonham (Rebecca). Floyd, “Pappy/Poppy,” will be forever remembered by his nine grandchildren, Misty, Jenna, Jessica, Jerod, Elizabeth, Cole, Jake, Julia and Lindsey; his great-grandchildren, Tre, Jamison, Brayden, and Aiden; and also three nephews, Ricky, Britt, Dwayne, Jerry, and Chris. His great-nephew, Lex, and great-niece, Toby, held a special place in his heart.

Floyd led a life a full of adventure and love. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was a phenomenal baseball player from childhood through adulthood, which included playing for the Atlanta Crackers. While living in Atlanta, Floyd worked in a shoe store selling shoes to many famous individuals, including the family of Martin Luther King Jr and Bela Lugosi. Floyd was a hard worker and always provided for his family. He retired from Pilot Life as District Manager in 1973, but continued working for many more years. One of Floyd’s proudest business moments was co-owning the Texaco in Maggie Valley, NC, where he became friends of the residents and visitors, many who became more like family.

Floyd wanted to be remembered for how much he loved his children and grandchildren. He will be remembered this way as he was totally dedicated to family. Anyone who met him will remember him for his boisterous laugh and radio voice. To know him is to love him. He will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, October 23, in the chapel of Garrett Funeral Home with Reverends James Roberts and Doug Henson officiating. Burial will follow at Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12-2 PM prior to the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be left to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Blvd, Memphis, TN, or Appalachian Angels at www.appalachianangels.org which provides assistance for local children in foster care.