Lamertine Griffith "L.G." Bond

Lamertine Griffith Bond, known to all as “LG,” died at the age of 98 on July 9, 2025, in Johnson City, Tennessee. He was surrounded by family and loved ones. For nearly a century, he led an abundant life of service, grace, and wonder. His vigor and soft, rich laugh inspired all until the end. 

LG was born in 1926 to William Ezra and Leila Haggard Bond. He grew up working on the family farm and exploring the gentle hills, lively forests, and cool rivers of Madison County, Georgia. He developed a keen eye for nature, boundless curiosity, and abiding belief in the sustaining love of family and community.

LG served in the U.S. Army in World War II from1945 to 1947 in Italy, as both infantryman and engineer. He was awarded the Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. 

After his war service, he married Madge Chitwood in 1948 in Toccoa, Georgia. Madge was his unfailing partner and the great joy of his life. They were married for 69 years until her passing in 2017. They raised three children, living in a number of cities in North Carolina and Georgia through the years. During this time, LG managed grocery stores before establishing his own business, Bond Antiques and Restoration in Madison, Georgia. 

LG and Madge worshiped and worked as beloved members of several church families, including Madison Baptist Church (Madison, Georgia) and Hill Street Baptist Church (Toccoa, Georgia). Service to one’s neighbor was the core of their deep Christian faith. And for LG, everyone was his neighbor. He had an indescribable ability to see people--relishing quirks, sensing struggles, and cherishing the dignity of each person. 

LG remained endlessly curious throughout his long life. He read widely, especially in history, science, and theology, always eager for new discoveries. In his later years, he began writing nature and religious poetry, crafting verses for friends and family that captured moments of beauty and insight. Throughout his life, his bird-filled garden was both laboratory and sanctuary. He loved to share its wonder with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving LG and Madge are their children and spouses, Iris Bond Durden and Ray Durden, William Gary and Jill Stephens Bond, and Sharon Elaine Bond and Dr Marilyn Mendolia; grandchildren, Matt Durden, Susan Garrison, Meagan Cole, Brett Bond, and Kellie Aydin; great-grandchildren, Gray, Sawyer, and Palmer Durden, Kaylee Garrison, Braeden, Levi, Avery, and Elijah Cole, Skylar and Aubrey Bond, and Bar?? and Evren Aydin; and sister-in-law Charlotte Bond. Each knew LG as the man who listened from his heart, laughed eagerly and often, whistled every bird’s song, guided nature trails and fishing trips, and always marveled at the world.

Funeral services will be Saturday, July 12, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. in the Hillcrest Chapel of the Acree-Davis Funeral Home with Mr. Gary Bond and The Reverend Jerrell Beatty officiating. The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers: Matt Durden, Brett Bond, Steve Cole, Braeden Cole, Oguz Aydin, and Keith Sanders.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the service time. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The Nature Conservancy, The National Audubon Society, or a favorite charity of choice. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.acree-davisfh.com.

Interment will follow in the Fairview Methodist Church Cemetery with Military Honors by the U.S. Army Honor Guard.

Acree-Davis Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. LG Bond.