Clarence Joseph "Joe" Bonds

Clarence Joseph (Joe) Bonds of Fort Mill, SC died peacefully on August 24, 2024, at his home. He was 86 years old.

Joe was born in St. Stephens, SC. He grew up there, in Conway, SC and Florence, SC. Joe was the son of Clarence Jewel Bonds and Marie Ashmore Bonds. After graduating from McClenaghan High School in Florence, Joe worked at Marsh Lumber Company in Pamplico, SC for four years. In 1957 he married his high school sweetheart Sandra Stone. They were married for 62 years.

Joe, Sandra and two daughters moved to Columbia in 1961 where he entered the University of SC, graduating in June 1964 with a BS in Education, majoring in Physical Education. Joe received a Masters Degree in School Administration from Appalachian State University in 1968 and an Education Administration Specialist degree from the University of SC in 1982.

Joe’s career in public school education took him to five school districts in SC. He began teaching and coaching in Sumter School District 17. There he began his work in school administration as Director of Personnel and Principal of Alice Drive Junior High School. He served that district for 9 years.

Joe became Associate Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction in Florence School District One, serving for seven years. He became Superintendent of Schools in Fort Mill School District Four in 1980 and served fourteen years. Joe finished his 36-year career in education serving as Superintendent for Lexington School District Two for 3 years and 4 years in Lexington School District One. He felt education was a calling from God and was blessed to work in five outstanding school districts.

In addition to his parents, Joe was predeceased by his wife of 62 years, Sandra, three brothers Bill Bonds, John Bonds and Lloyd Bonds and his sister Rachel Bonds Clawson. He is survived by his three loving daughters, Karen Bonds, Wendy Bonds-Chapman (Larry) and Kathryn Bonds Kilpatrick (Michael) and his beloved grandson, Connor Stone Kilpatrick.

Joe loved to play golf. Although he was always a high handicapper, he enjoyed being with his friends on the golf course. Over the years, Joe and Sandra enjoyed an active social life with many friends who brought joy to their lives.

Joe was active in Civic and Chamber of Commerce work throughout his life. Unity Presbyterian Church nurtured his spiritual life for more than forty years. It was there Joe was ordained as a deacon and elder and was active in several ministries.

A celebration of Joe's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2024, at Unity Presbyterian Church, 303 Tom Hall Street Fort Mill, SC 29715.

In lieu of flowers, Joe asks that memorials be made to Unity Presbyterian Church, 303 Tom Hall St., Fort Mill, SC 29715 or Levine Cancer Institute at Atrium Health (Dr. Burgess), 1021 Morehead Medical Dr., Charlotte, NC 28204.

Feel free to leave the family your condolences via the guestbook provided.