William Fred Bond, Jr.

William Fred ("Fred") Bond, Jr., 89, died Wednesday, June 17, at The Pines at Davidson.

Born on May 19, 1937, in Birmingham, Alabama, to William Fred Bond, Sr., and Irene Bond, Fred earned a degree in mechanical engineering from Auburn University and remained a lifelong Auburn fan. Shortly after graduation, he married Peggy Smith, who had grown up just down the street from him in Birmingham. Together they shared nearly 67 years of marriage.

Fred was the very essence of a Renaissance man, with a remarkable range of interests, talents, and accomplishments spanning music, sports, engineering, and the arts.

A gifted musician, Fred played multiple instruments, including violin, piano, guitar, mandolin, tipple, and drums. As a young man, he played violin with the Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and could play piano by ear. He loved to sing and performed in several barbershop quartets, including "The Sound Machine," which won the Florida state championship. He also sang tenor with the Pensacola Choral Society and played guitar in a jazz combo, “The Heartstrings.”

Fred and Peggy lived in Pensacola, Florida, for more than 40 years. There, Fred built a distinguished career in the paper and manufacturing industries and later served as CEO of a consulting engineering firm. He devoted considerable time to civic leadership, serving on the boards of Regions Bank and the Northwest Florida Water Management District.

A man of deep faith and service, Fred was an elder and dedicated member of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Pensacola. He was also an active Rotarian, serving as club president and twice receiving Paul Harris Fellow recognition for his service to the community. His volunteer leadership extended to the boards of Lakeview Center, supporting mental health services, and the Pensacola Junior College Foundation.

Fred approached everything he did with enthusiasm and vigor. He loved boating, sports cars, tennis, and golf. In retirement, he discovered the art of woodturning and quickly earned recognition for his craftsmanship, with works displayed in local galleries. Above all, he loved people and never missed an opportunity to socialize.

Swimming was one of Fred's lifelong passions and a skill he believed everyone should learn. As an accomplished Masters swimmer, he won numerous Senior Games competitions. After moving to Davidson in 2015, he continued sharing that passion by coaching Masters swimmers at the Lake Norman YMCA and teaching adults how to swim.

Fred quickly became an active member of the Davidson community. He sang tenor in the choir at Davidson College Presbyterian Church and was a faithful participant in the church's Friday Men's Group, where he especially valued the fellowship and friendships he found there.

Fred is survived by his wife, Peggy Bond; daughter Chris Ahearn and her husband, Jack; son Allan Bond; grandson Alex Ahearn and his wife, Allie; granddaughter Abby Ahearn; and great-grandchildren Aiden, Cora, and Margot Ahearn.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Irene Bond; his sister, Glora Daniel; and his beloved uncle, Claude Prier.

A memorial service celebrating Fred's life will be held on Sunday, July 5, at 2:00 p.m. in Lingle Chapel at Davidson College Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Davidson College Presbyterian Church, The Pines at Davidson Scholarship Fund, or the Ada Jenkins Center.