Vincent Bonelli Jr.
Published 12:00 am Sunday, November 2, 2008
Vincent “Woosie” Bonelli Jr. died Friday, Oct. 31, 2008, at his residence. He was 93.
Born in Vicksburg, he was the son of the late Dr. Vincent Bonelli Sr. and May McDonald Bonelli. He was a graduate of St. Aloysius High School.
In 1937, in Vicksburg, he enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard. The unit was Company B, 106th Engineer Combat Battalion, 31st Infantry “Dixie” Division.
At the beginning of World War II “Woosie” and all of Company B were federalized into the U. S. Army. The group was assigned to the Pacific Theater of Operations until the end of war in 1945. After the war, and for 31 years until its deactivation, “Woosie” was very active in the Company B, 106th Engineer Association. He served as chairman of the group for a number of years.
He was in commercial sales and was Salesman of the Year for Nefglo Industrial Lighting Company in 1971 and in 1980, prior to his retirement in that year. “Woosie” was a member of The Church of the Holy Trinity, Episcopal.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Robertson Bonelli; two sisters, Emily May Latsko and Gladys Hiatt.
He is survived by a son, Chandler Bonelli of Vicksburg; three daughters, Emily Bonelli and Carol Bonelli, both of Vicksburg, and Claire B. Jackson and her husband, David, of Ridgeland, Miss.; one grandson, Robert Bonelli Jackson of Ridgeland; nieces, nephews and cousins including Warren Guider, Gail Boland, Patricia Sadler, Judy Conerly, K-K Jacobs, D-D Bond, Gwyn Neill, Kelly Finch, Beverly Rase and Diana Rase; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews.
The family would like to thank “Woosie’s” Angels, numerous friends and his fellow members of Company B for their love, devotion and attention. Special thanks to Deloris Lawrence and Tammy Hatchett for their love and tenderness to our father, grandfather and uncle.
Funeral services for Vincent “Woosie” Bonelli Jr. will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Church of the Holy Trinity, Episcopal, with Father Michael Nation, rector, officiating. Burial will be at Cedar Hill Cemetery under the direction of Riles Funeral Home. Visitation will be at McInnis Parish Hall of the Church of the Holy Trinity, Episcopal, from 10 a.m. Monday until the hour of the service. Memorials may be made to the Church of the Holy Trinity, 900 South St., Vicksburg, MS 39180.
Pallbearers will be Warren Guider, Gaddis Guider, George Guider, Rob Sadler, Ryan Sadler, Patrick Sadler and Kelly Sadler.
Honorary pallbearers will be Barry Renfroe, John Herrod, Todd Horn, Dr. Daniel Dare, Dr. John Robert Ford, Martin White, Joe Loviza, Recie Ray, Joe Thweatt, Scott Cunningham, Kim Cunningham, Albert T. Hossley, Richard Kette, William Shappley, Carl E. Barry, Joe Bottino, Dr. Jim Cook, Jimmy Waring, Howell Gage, Charles Riles and Members of Company B.