Willis Angus Bonkemeyer

Willis Angus Bonkemeyer, age 88, passed peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at Moses Cone Hospital in Greensboro, North Carolina, after a short but courageous battle with lung cancer. 

Willis is survived by the love of his life, and wife of 67 years, Martha Jane; two daughters, Angela and Lynda Lea, and their husbands, Mike and Thomas; three grandchildren ,Dalton (Grant), Codi, Auguste; and one great-granddaughter, Lottie, with another one on the way. 

He is also survived by his brother Lewis Bonkemeyer (Cathy), and was preceded in death by his parents, Angus and Nonnie Bonkemeyer and his sister Charlcie Whatley.

Willis was born on April 29, 1937, to Angus and Nonnie Bonkemeyer. Growing up on family land, Willis worked beside his father in the fields and in the family’s dairy, while also driving a school bus in his teen years. At 17, he joined the Navy Reserves, and served for 16 years.

Graduating Randleman High School in 1956, Willis went to work at Lowe’s Hardware in Asheboro on Highway 64, their fourth store, when the Lowe’s was still a small hardware company. Willis worked his way up within the company to store manager, managing both the original store on Highway 64 and the N. Fayetteville St. location after overseeing its construction before retiring at the age of 45 after 26 years of service to the company. 

After his tenure, Willis was invited to participate in the ribbon cutting ceremony for the newest store in Asheboro on Highway 64, a testament to his dedication to Lowe’s.

Upon retirement, Willis was privileged to be a caregiver for both his parents, along with the help of his sister, a retired nurse, and his younger brother. A man of great faith, he was a member of Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church of Randleman. 

He delighted in taking care of his family’s land of four generations, taking pleasure in his yard and garden, and was an avid reader. Willis always had a book nearby. 

Above all, Willis’ largest pride and accomplishment in life was his family, whom he loved beyond measure. He will be remembered as a giving and loving man who had immense gratitude for the family and life the Lord blessed him with for so many years.

Visitation with family and friends will be on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church, 119 West River Drive, Randleman, NC, from 1-2:15 p.m., with a service following at 2:30 p.m. Following the service, family and friends are welcomed to attend the graveside service at Randolph Memorial Park. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to:

— Victory Junction at 4500 Adam’s Way, Randleman, NC 27317.

— Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church Maintenance Fund, 119 West River Drive, Randleman, NC 27317.

Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro is honored to serve the Bonkemeyer family.