Eugene “Gene” Bond was born November 20, 1931 in Dallas, Texas at Baylor Hospital to Wilmer and Dollie Bond. Gene passed away on September 7, 2021 surrounded by family as he went to be with our Lord and Savior. He would have celebrated his ninetieth birthday this year.

Gene attended school in Dallas, TX and then served our great country in the U. S. Marine Corps during the Korean War. Later in life, a great honor was conveyed to Gene when he was nominated by Mr. James Crouch to be invited to the Honor Flight Program in Washington, D.C. Gene’s family is very grateful to Mr. Crouch for this incredible journey as Gene visited the many military memorials with his guardian, Ethan Hanley.

Gene married Alma Lee Ray on February 14, 1959 and daughter, Dena Rae Bond, was born, son, Jason Scott Bond, died at birth, and they were blessed with a daughter, Pamela Anne Bond.

Gene was a banker by occupation, but more importantly he helped many individuals by giving them their first loans when they moved into the community or had a need. A few of the banks he served were Preston State Bank of Dallas, American National Bank of Terrell (now American National Bank of Texas), Terrell Federal Savings and Loan, and Heritage Savings Bank of Terrell. After retirement from banking, he served as a realtor at Coldwell Banker Apex, and sold insurance through Hill Insurance and later Gene Bond Insurance Agency.

He and his wife, Alma Lee, operated Montgomery Ward Stores in Ballinger and Alpine, Texas. While in Alpine, he finished his Business Degree at Sul Ross University and then moved to Terrell, Texas. In 1978, he experienced a tragic loss of his wife, Alma Lee, to a cerebral aneurysm. Following this devastating event, he married a wonderful woman, Sarah Beth Flanagan. They had a very special marriage and truly enjoyed living in Wills Point, Texas. Their pride and joy was their Christian life together and their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. In 2012, he lost his wife, best friend, and greatest supporter, Sarah Beth Bond. After this loss, he moved back to Terrell.

Gene was very involved in his community. He served with the Boy Scouts of America, Kiwanis International, Rotary Club, Kaufman Van Zandt Association of Realtors, American Cancer Society, United Way, Terrell Chamber of Commerce President’s Club, and many other civic organizations. He was a Mason and an active member of Lakeside Baptist Church, First Baptist Church Ballinger, First Baptist Church Terrell, First Baptist Church of Wills Point, and New Release Fellowship Church. Church and fellowship with Christian believers were a very important part of his life. At a young age, he made a profession of faith to follow Christ as His Lord and Savior. He was always concerned that everyone that he met made that same life changing decision. He loved his Lord, his family, and his country. He was honored to put out flags in the community during special holidays. It was such a blessing that the same day he passed away those same flags were flying high in his community. He loved the Sandy Cowart Sunday School class and looked forward to attending Sunday School and Church each Sunday.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Wilmer and Dollie Bond and family Alma Lee Bond, Sarah Beth Bond, Jason Scott Bond and many other family members, all of whom gladly met Gene on his arrival in Heaven.

He is survived by children: Dena Bond Risinger, husband Charlie Risinger M. D., Pamela Anne Bond, Steve Mayfield and wife Sarah, Chris Mayfield and wife Becky; grandchildren: Kelly Risinger Meador, and husband Clark Meador, D.O., Cody Risinger, Amanda Hill and husband Justin, Dru Mayfield and wife Jacquelyn, Cory Mayfield, Casey Mayfield and wife Crystal, Mitch Mayfield, and Matt Mayfield; great grandchildren: Hayden and Harper Meador, Hawkins, Hazel, and Heidi Hill, Julia Vigneault, Myles Mayfield, Carson and Cayden Mayfield and many other friends and family.

We would like to thank Susie Wood who cared for Dad; as well as to Hospice Plus, Dona Elder, Allison Spangler and Chelsea McGill, all of whom assisted Dad and our family during this time. We are so very appreciative of everyone who showed us love and concern.

Gene will lie in state from 2:00pm to 6:00pm, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel.

A reception for friends and family will be at 9:00am, Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, at New Release Fellowship Church, 1778 Goodnight Blvd, Wills Point, 75169 and Gene's graveside service will immediately follow at 10:00am at White Rose Cemetery.

A celebration of his life will be at 11:30am, Monday, Sept. 13, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Terrell with a reception immediately after at the Recreational Outreach Center (across from the church sanctuary).

The family strongly suggests that, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Gene's love for the Lord and His people be made to these organizations close to his heart: Terrell ISD Excellence Foundation at https://www.terrellexcellencefoundation.org/donate-online Wills Point ISD Education Foundation at https://wpisdef.org/how-we-do-what-we-do#ddbb0d6d-a642-4c0e- 9093-d9d2fad7ba11 First Baptist Church in Terrell (any ministry) at https://fbcterrell.org/give New Release Fellowship Church Youth Building Fund at http://www.nrfbc.org/giving.html (or mail to PO Box 678, Wills Point, TX, 75169)

Honorary Pallbearers will be his grandchildren: Amanda Hill and husband, Justin Dru Mayfield and wife, Jacquelyn Cory Mayfield Casey Mayfield and wife, Crystal Mitch Mayfield Matt Mayfield Kelly Risinger Meador and husband, Clark Cody Risinger along with Ethan Hanley, Honor Flight Guardian Dr. Casey Risinger and Members of Sandy Cowart’s Sunday School Class. Condolences and memories may be shared with Gene’s family at www.maxslaytonfunerals.com.