SUMTER - Daniel “Danny” Lee Bonnette, 61, husband of Rhonda Amerson Bonnette, died Friday, Jan. 31, 2014, at the Medical University of South Carolina hospital in Charleston.
Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Elliott Bonnette, Pauline Baker Elmore and Theo E. “Buster” Elmore Sr.
He was employed by Apex Tool Group for 37 years. He was a graduate of Edmunds High School and a 1975 graduate of Clemson University, where he was a member of the Iota Lambda Sigma Honors Fraternity. He was an avid Clemson Tigers fan and loved golf. He had an infectious laugh and was full of life.
Survivors besides his wife of 39 years include two sons, Eric Lee Bonnette and wife Kim of Simpsonville and Adam Wayne Bonnette and wife Lil of Columbia; and two grandchildren.
He was a devoted grandfather, also known as Ghee, to Walker Lee Bonnette, with whom he shared a special bond, and Sarah Grace Bonnette. He was joyfully anticipating the birth of his twin granddaughters in May.
Other survivors include a brother, Elliott “Gene” Bonnette and wife Cindy of Columbia; a sister, Paula B. Richardson and husband Robbie of Sumter; his mother-in-law, Giovania “Jho” Amerson of the home; his brother- and sister-in-law, Chuck and Terry Radcliffe of Sumter, with whom he shared a special relationship; and a number of nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.
He was preceded in death by three brothers, Michael Bonnette, Theo E. Elmore Jr. and Russell B. Elmore Sr.
Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. Kevin Massey and the Rev. Tommy Atkinson officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.
Walt Presson, Kenny Johnson, Michael Barrett, Anthony Hall, Tony Rahn and David Birgerson will serve as pallbearers.
Coworkers at Apex Tool Group will serve as honorary pallbearers.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. today at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home, and other times at the home.
Memorials may be made to New Salem Baptist Church, 2500 W. Oakland Ave., Sumter, SC 29154.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.
