Frederick Raymond Bonar

Fred R. Bonar

The greatest fisherman in Eastern North Carolina, Fred Bonar, passed away at home on February 19, 2025, at the age of 79. Born in Kinston, NC, on January 1, 1946, to Audrey and Gus Bonar, Fred was a man who truly lived life to the fullest—preferably with a fishing rod in hand.

While serving in the United States Navy from 1964 to 1968, Fred met the love of his life, Virginia Lee Osborne Bonar. Together, they raised two daughters, Heather Marie Bonar and LauraAnn Bonar Avery, and enjoyed the company of their two grandchildren, Matthew Madore and Haley Riggs. After Mama’s passing in August 2008, Daddy decided to take the trip to Alaska he had secretly planned for them both—with a few changes. Instead of sightseeing, he booked fishing tours!

He retired from DuPont in 2001 but didn’t slow down one bit. He loved to travel—Florida was a yearly destination, and you guessed it, it was all about fishing! We took him to England and Scotland and made trips to New Hampshire and Texas to visit family. He often told us that experiences mattered more than “things,” which is probably why he never went back to Hawaii after losing Mama; that was their special place, and he preferred to keep the memories intact.

Their relationship was the kind that made us cringe as teenagers—holding hands and kissing in public—but as adults, we realized how blessed they were to have been perfectly yoked.

Fred had a knack for making friends everywhere he went. He never met a stranger, and if he did, they weren’t for long. His laugh was deep and infectious, coming from his belly and lighting up his face with dimples that could charm anyone. He loved life and people, and he never hesitated to offer advice—sometimes unsolicited!

Our father wouldn’t want a big fuss made or flowers sent. Instead, he would ask that you consider donating to Get Hooked-Take a Child Fishing, a local nonprofit dedicated to getting kids out on the water and exploring nature. Their information can be found at Get Hooked-Take a Child Fishing.

Fred leaves behind his daughters, Heather Marie Bonar and LauraAnn Bonar Avery (Jerry), his two grandchildren, Matthew Madore and Haley Riggs, and his younger brothers, Billy (Joan) Bonar and David (Debra) Bonar.

He wouldn’t want us to be sad; he’d want us to keep living life every single day—just like he did.

A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside at Pinelawn Memorial Park on Sunday, March 2, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.

Arrangements entrusted to Howard-Carter Funeral Home.