Floyd Sanford Bonds, Jr

Floyd Sanford Bonds, Jr. served in the United States Naval Reserve and the United States Army as a Private First Class.

Mr. Bonds was born in Buffalo, New York on December 23, 1929. He answered the call to serve his country following graduation from high school on October 7, 1948.

Mr. Bonds was assigned to the 450th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion, Battery B. During his military service, Mr. Bonds received extensive training, attended Quartermaster School in Lee, Virginia in 1949, and returned to duty as a Utility Repairman. In 1950, he attended Fort Ord in California, completing the Clerks General Course and returning as a General Clerk.

In 1951, Mr. Bonds was called to Fort Bliss, Texas to attend the Artillery School to study Fire Control Electrician courses in order to become a Fire Control Specialist, Aircraft Artillery/Automatic Weapons (AA/AW). He was last stationed at Ladd Army Base and Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. Mr. Bonds was honorably discharged on July 16, 1952.

Upon discharge from the Army, Mr. Bonds continued his service to our community by joining the American Veterans (AMVETS), where he was an active member and held numerous leadership positions throughout his lifetime, including Post and County Commander and New York State Commander from 1995 to 1996.

Mr. Bonds was the first African American AMVETS New York State Department Commander. He was a member of the Masonic Order Paramount Lodge #73, Bison Consistory #29 and Hadji Temple #61, where he served as Past Potentate and Treasurer. Additionally, Mr. Bonds dedicated more than 37 years to working for the USPS, and he served in various roles within the Community Action Organization and the Erie County Council of Head Start.

Before his passing on October 23, 2022, Mr. Bonds worked diligently to support and honor his fellow veterans, serving as a member of the Korean War Monument Committee and the Erie County Veterans’ Committee at the Erie County Fair.

Mr. Bonds was a man of faith, active in his church and within his community. He loved to travel, visiting 49 states throughout his lifetime. He is survived by his son, Floyd S. Bonds III, and daughter, Kathleen D. Bonds Walker, seven grandchildren, and nine greatgrandchildren, who honor his legacy every day.