William Earl "Willy" Bond

William Earl “Willy” Bond, 77 of McCamey, entered his heavenly home on Wednesday, Oct 23rd at Shannon Medical Center in San Angelo after a lengthy illness. 

Willy was born Nov 13th, 1946, in Oklahoma, and his family never let him forget it. But he did come to Texas at an early age, so it was forgiven. He attended all his school years in McCamey, graduating from McCamey High in 1965. He married Laqueta Swanner on March 27, 1970, spending the next 54 years together. 

They began operating a lumberyard for his father, Floyd, in Crane for a few years, before coming back to McCamey to manage Red Bluff Lumber. He then began rambling around the oilfields of West Texas for several years, working for Halliburton, Champion Chemicals and Treatolite as a chemical salesman. The family moved to Andrews for two years in 1982. 

He and Keta then bought Watson Builders Supply, a local lumberyard in Iraan, where they raised their two boys, J. and Josh, and even became an Iraan Braves supporter. He was active in the Brave Booster Club, as well as a member of the Iraan Lion’s Club. After several years of operation, the lumberyard was sold, and Willy went into partnership with his brother-in-law in J.E.T Distributors as a salesman for several years. He then became an insurance adjuster for State Farm, working several major storms, including hurricane Katrina. He and Keta had returned to McCamey where they spent their retirement driving thousands of miles, following their grandchildren’s sporting events, even if they were Rankin Red Devils. 

Willy loved telling stories, sometimes over and over, and then again. He enjoyed watching sports, especially his grandchildren’s games, and Badger Football. He also loved spending time with his family, road trips, western movies and anything related to history. Later on, he discovered Facebook, where he relentlessly battled the Democrats. But sometimes it seemed his greatest love was Keta’s baked beans, Nutty Buddies and lime sherbet.

Most of all Willy was a man of faith. He came to know Jesus at an early age while attending the Eastside Baptist Church, and he didn’t fail to turn to the Lord when times were tough. He was an example of a strong relationship with Jesus to his kids and grandkids. Family was important to him. Even during the height of sickness, he prayed to his Lord for more time to be able to watch over those he loved. He instilled the values of honor and integrity in his sons and grandkids and taught them that a man always keeps his word. His never give up attitude should serve as an inspiration to us all.

 Willy was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Wanda Covill, who he missed greatly. Also, his sister Norma Jean Shellenberger, father and mother-in-law L.B. and Ruth Swanner, brother and sister-in-law Butch and Becky Swanner, sisters in law Barbara Melton and Donna Clack, brother-in-law Bill Talley, and two cousins that were like brothers, Buddy and Mike Hall. Also, two favorite uncles that helped raise him, JB and Robert Roach.

He is survived by his loving wife Laqueta, sons J. and wife Trisha of Rankin and Josh of McCamey. Granddaughter Lesley Bond and grandsons Tyler “Tooter” Bond and Orryn “Tater” Bond of Rankin, and a special great grandson, Audie Bond of Rankin, that Willy called “Squirrel”. Also, brother Eugene and Lori Covill, sister Luanne Bentley, brother Charlie and Nancy Covill, sister Lois and John North, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Tyler Bond, Orryn Bond, Jody Harris, Bill Boyd, Hugh Hardaway, Les McLaughlin and Audie Bond. Honorary pallbearers will be Marvin King and Leo Watts. 

Services will be held at the Nichols Funeral Home, 1000 Hwy 1901, McCamey, TX at 11:00am on October 31st, with a viewing beginning at 10:00am. Pastor James Jones will be officiating, and burial will follow at Resthaven Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Saranne and Benny Judkins in honor of Billie and Zane Judkins Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to McCamey High School Students in the honor of Benny Judkin’s children. Benny was a fellow 1965 Badger, and Willy’s lifelong friend.