George Eldridge Bond Jr.
- George Eldridge Bond, Jr., lifelong Memphian, was born on December 26, 1942. He died at Methodist Hospice Residence on February 20, 2023, with his wife by his side.
George was a graduate of Central High School and The University of Memphis. His career as a property and casualty underwriter at Hartford & Maryland Casualty/zurich spanned 28 years, and he proudly served in the US Army Reserves from 1966-1972.
A faithful parishioner of Holy Rosary Catholic Church, George’s servant heart was grounded in his strong Christian beliefs. He volunteered at the Deneuville Learning Center for 13 years and was never too busy to lend a helping hand or assist others in need.
George developed his sense of adventure at an early age when riding the train to Washington D. C. and spending a month of each summer break with his favorite uncle, Henry Bond. During his college days, he accompanied Uncle Henry and his friends to the Yucatan Peninsula to witness firsthand the exotic orchids of the region, some of which Uncle Henry purchased to add to his personal collection. After the death of his uncle, George transported Henry’s orchids from Washington D.C. to Memphis and immediately registered for a continuing education course on orchids. This path led him to acquiring additional orchids and joining the Memphis Orchid Society in 1990, where he remained an active member for 29 years.
George enjoyed traveling with his wife Linda to New Orleans, and it quickly became their favorite domestic travel destination. They could often be found in the French Quarter during a variety of festivals and holiday celebrations, but their favorite time to visit The Quarter was during Mardi Gras festivities which they attended 25 times. George’s favorite travel destination outside of the U.S. was India, where his passport was stamped seven times, allowing him to fully experience the wonders and beauty of the country. He visited the Taj Mahal, went boating on the river Ganges, rode the train to Madras, spent time in Mumbai, visited several temples and the tomb of Mother Teresa at Kolkata. While there, he also had the honor of meeting the newly appointed Mother Superior at the Mother House of the Missionaries of Charity. Along his journeys, he took great pleasure in selecting gifts for his friends & family. He wanted to ensure everyone experienced a piece of the India he loved.
Whether attending family holidays and celebrations, dining at the newest restaurant, taking in a performance at The Orpheum Theatre, listening to the Memphis Symphony, or boating across Lake Lanier and Lake Hartwell, George delighted in being in the company of his family and friends. His kind spirit extended to animals and was evident in his care and devotion of his cats, India, Autumn, & Henry. Over the years, George fostered several neighborhood cats, ensuring they were well fed and had their health needs met.
As a certified judge for The Memphis in May International BBQ contest and The Memphis BBQ network, George frequently judged at Tom Lee Park, and several auxiliary contests throughout Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana. He enjoyed the taste of good pork BBQ and the friendly banter with those he met along the BBQ circuits. No one was a stranger to George.
George was preceded in death by his parents, Kitty West Bond and George Eldridge Bond, Sr.; mother-in-law, Elena Signaigo Deming, and father-in-law, James Alton Deming; sister, Barbara Bond Smith; brother, Joseph Stanton Bond; niece, Michelle Bond Branch; and nephew, Kurt Smith.
He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Linda Deming Bond; brother-in-law, Billy Howell (Cecelia) of Cumming, Georgia; nephews, Evan Bell (Melissa) of Conway, Arkansas, Eric Smith (Gayla) of Greenbrier, Arkansas, and Bill Howell (Jennifer) of Cumming Georgia; nieces, Mary Beth Howell of Atlanta, Georgia, Brenda Howell (Mark Munson) of Alpharetta Georgia, and Taylor Williams (Jeff) of Memphis Tennessee; numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation will be held at Memphis Funeral Home, 5599 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, 38119 on February 24, 2023, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Funeral mass will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4851 Park Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee 38117, on February 25, 2023, at 12 p.m. Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, 38119, immediately following the funeral mass.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials be sent to Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 4851 Park Ave, Memphis, Tennessee, 38117 or Deneuville Learning Center, 190 S. Cooper, Memphis, Tennessee, 38104.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Bond family may be shared at Memphisfuneralpoplar.com