John Milton Bond

John Milton Bond, who was born into a 2nd generation farming family of Amite County on February 16, 1933, left his earthly home for a heavenly one, February 5, 2026. 11 days shy of his 93rd birthday, both coming and going on the same farm, which was so dear to him.

Visitation will be Friday February 13, at Terry's Creek Baptist Church from 10AM until Services at 1PM. Burial will follow at Bond Family Cemetery under the direction of Hartman-Jones Funeral Home. Rev. David Fortenberry and Rev. Kent Campbell will officiate. In lieu of flowers the family request contributions be made to The Gideons International "Bibles".

His loved ones who've gone before him were his parents, Turner Wilson and Rosa Lee Cummings Bond; sister Tempie Williams, and 3 brothers: T.W. Bond, Bobby Bond, and Joe Bond. Also going on before him were his twin infant daughters; son-in-law, Clark Wilson; and grandson, Jacob Turner Wilson.

Still here, somehow moving forward without him, are his beloved family, first and foremost, his wife of 66 years, Inez Wilson Bond; daughters LaLinda Fortenberry (David), Denise Wilson, Michelle Madison, Betty Oltremari (Jerry), and Jeanne Tate (Chuck). And 27 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren and 3 more to be born this year.

John went to serve his country in the Air Force at the age of 20 during the Korean Conflict, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. In addition to his duties, he also was a barrack's barber, and he enjoyed his deployment to France very much. He made lifelong friends on both sides of the pond.

After service, he married the love of his life, and together they began their family. He was a hard-working farmer who understood both the value of labor and the gift of rest. He trusted the Lord in every season, planting seeds in the soil and in the hearts of his family. In the midst of long days, he made time for what mattered most, spending time alone seeking the Lord and spending time with his family. As a family they enjoyed picnics by the creek, Sunday afternoon drives, meals shared with others, and memories made traveling together to beaches, the Smokey mountains, out west, and even a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe. He included his children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces, and anyone that visited the farm, in his daily chores, teaching valuable lessons as they worked, ever so patiently, a quality for which he was known and admired.

Johnny and Inez worked hard, side by side to build up the old farm, and turned the homestead into a pristine dairy farm, once even receiving Mississippi's Master Dairyman award. They "retired" 38 years later, then planted pines, raised beef cattle, and sold hay to bring in income and continue working the way they loved. If he picked on you, it was a sure sign he loved you. He loved a good adventure, to have fun and usually had a smile. But he had a more serious side, too. He heard the Bible read from a young age and trusted it to be true.

Through everything that life challenged him with, the Power of God within him brought him courage and strength to rise above temptation and sorrow, with a quiet, sense of peace and joy. These attributes drew many people of all walks of life, as friends. It was his main desire, that all would know his Jesus, especially his children and their children. His love of scriptures showed in his participation in the Bible distribution ministry, known as Gideons International. He often shared these little bibles with those he met. For 64 years, he served as a deacon at Terry's Creek Baptist Church and was very involved where he could be a blessing, there as well.

He never met a stranger, welcoming everyone with warmth and kindness that reflected his faith. His life was a quiet testimony of God's love, lived out through service, generosity, and devotion. We take comfort knowing he has finished his race and now rests in the presence of his Savior, hearing the words, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant...Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord."