Obituary of Hugh Hatcher Bond

Hugh Hatcher Bond, 91, passed away at his home in Lynchburg on June 30, 2023. Hugh was born on February 9, 1932, in Bedford, VA to Gardner Wright Bond, Sr. and Effie Luck Bond. He was preceded in death by his brother,Gardner Wright Bond, Jr. (Bookie), and son, Steven Glenn Bond.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Anne Mitchell Bond; sons, Stewart Michael Bond (Dan Rodas) and Mitchell Edward Bond (Patrick Ellis), daughter-in-law, Sandra Blevins Bond; step grandchildren Christina Newman and Jessica Mann; step greatgrandchildren, Jaelyn Mann, Sidney Mann, Carson Mann, and Callie Tuck.

After graduating from Bedford High School in 1949, Hugh completed a bachelor’s degree in business at Washington and Lee in 1953 then returned to Bedford where he worked as an insurance and real estate agent at Scott and Bond, Inc. for over six decades. Hugh was devoted to community service in Bedford as a charter member of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Bedford Jaycees, and a member of the Bedford Lion’s Club. He served on the Board of Directors at Piedmont Label and Bedford Federal Savings and Loan. He volunteered as a tour guide at the National D-Day Memorial and was active in the Bedford International Alliance, traveling to France to visit the D-Day sites several times.

Hugh loved travelling with Anne. Together they visited all 50 states, 5 Canadian provinces, and numerous other countries. For years, they made annual trips to Fort Myers, FL for winter vacations, and Chautauqua, NY for educational retreats at The Chautauqua Institution. He also relished the company of his friends – from his Sunday School class at Bedford Baptist Church to his golf buddies at Bedford Country Club to the coffee group who met daily to catch up on local gossip and solve the world’s problems. Hugh loved music – singing solos and leading the chorus at countless Lion’s Club shows, performing at weddings and funerals, and always whistling a tune at any opportunity he could find. He was also an avid sports fan and over his lifetime he played basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, tennis, and, most importantly, golf. He regularly played into his late 80s and could recount the layout of every single hole on all the dozens of golf courses he ever played.

The family is grateful for the friendship of the residents at the Summit and for the attention and compassion of the caregivers who cared for Hugh over the past two years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, July 5 at Bedford Baptist Church. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service beginning at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Friends of Bedford Hospice House (P.O. Box 985, Bedford, VA 24523), National D-Day Memorial (P.O. Box 77, Bedford, VA 24523), or
another charity of choice that serves the Bedford community.

Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.