Michael Travis Bond

Though Michael Travis Bond was not a professional teacher, for all whose life his touched, Michael was known throughout as an exceptionally gifted teacher, an inspiration to all who knew him to be the best that they could be.

First and foremost, Michael taught his parents Randy and Glenda Bond how to be parents: how to love unconditionally, how to become adaptive, creative and encourage Michael as he grew and developed to reach his fullest potential. He taught us as a family how to be an advocate for all people with special needs. Michael’s life took us all on a different path, enriching our lives beyond measure. Glenda also added a special education certification to other her education endorsement because she knew, lived and loved that specialty area.

Michael taught his little brother, Scott, who predeceased Michael, that he meant ‘’business” when he slammed Scott’s bedroom door as well as his own bedroom door as a message “I need some space.”  Michael taught his extended family how to love an exceptional child, be more tolerant and accepting of people with special needs, to involve him (and his brother) in family activities and cherish the simple things of life like sharing food together, swinging on the outdoor swing, respecting quiet time, creating ways for Michael to have his space but celebrating his little and big accomplishments, milestones and holidays.  Michael’s uncle Steve, who predeceased Michael, also said Michael inspired him to become a special education teacher.

In life, Michael inspired so many others in his circle of friends and acquaintances.  Several of his peer tutors, afterschool/summer caregivers and later Hilltopper’s support people also have become special education teachers – Josh Green, Marlene Holton, Lydia Edmonds Flatt and Jessica Ann Wood.  His Sunday School teachers Holly Neal, Susan Robinson, Ruth Looney, as well as his public school teachers/ para-professionals –Susan Addison, Gayle Coleman, Molly Littleton, Teresa Pruitt, Alma Deck, Peggy Paquette, George Kington, Kim Davenport, Sue VanDorn, Linda Potter, Eunice Morgan, Shire Smith, Sherry Knox, Valorie Whitcomb, Charlene Starnes, Sue Elmore, Carolyn Howard, Sharon Daniels, Cindy Andrews, Shella Rimmer to name a few, always remark that Michael taught them more than they could ever teach him! And the Michael stories all these people lovingly shared would fill volumes. Ruth Looney summed Michael up perfectly – the one thing you could expect from Michael was the unexpected!

Michael’s caregivers and support people at Hilltopper’s, his home away from home, have shared so many wonderful stories about Michael and how his love of life, his sweet loving nature, his gentle ways were such a blessing that enriched their lives.  Kay Henniger, Betsy Shelton, Gabe Nobles, Kelly Jackson, Linda Potter, Emily Hembree, Debbie Muller, Michele Miller, Krystle Profitt, Dana Evans, Angela Landrem, Jeanene Houston, Kim Tabor, Frances Breard, Kim Coia, Josh Green all tell us stories we haven’t heard before about Michael and Scott’s antics when they were involved in their lives and care as adults.  Their memories could be grouped in a couple of distinct Michael categories: his fondness for food and being in the kitchen helping prepare food; his sheer physical strength and stamina walking miles and miles throughout his house – mainly to the kitchen or outside; he loved sensory input – being outside in the gentle breeze, swinging, rocking in his rocking chair, playing in water, having warm rain fall on his upturned face, even cold temperatures didn’t faze him.  He loved being hugged, holding hands and snuggling, any and all sensory input. Michael was also fiercely protective of his rattle and chocolate milk cup!

In sickness, Michael’s physicians and nurses at CMC always remark about his resilience, determination and will to live and to express his needs and affection without words.  Practically all the CMC staff knew him as Michael was in their care as patient for some odd 60 times throughout his life, but especially in the last eight years. They speak of how tough he was, how they knew he was getting better when he would smile and reach for their hand when they were at his bedside. Stanley Bise, MD/ENT said that Michael was the only patient he ever had who thinking that Michael was asleep for a surgical procedure, turned around at the operating table only to see Michael sitting up on the gurney smiling and shaking his rattle as if to say “I’m ready – get on with it!”

Now with death, Michael continues to be a source of inspiration and a gift of a better life to others in at least two ways.  Michael became a tissues donor; through these gifts he will help save lives, restore sight and improve health and wellbeing.  Secondly, his family would be honored if you would consider remembering him and his legacy through a scholarship gift set up in his memory:  the Michael Travis Bond Scholarship, a designated fund of the United Fund of Cumberand County.

Survivors, besides his parents Glenda and Randy Bond include:  Anita and Lynn Smith, Crossville; Dianne Bond, Beaufort, SC; Jimmy Lydeker, Western Australia,  Josh Green, Crossville, his Hilltopper’s  extended family and a host of cousins and friends in Crossville, across the country and Australia.

Services for Michael will be held Sunday, November 12, 2023, his 50th birthday at Bilbrey Funeral Home, with Dr. Brian Smith and Holly Neal, UF Executive Director presiding.  Pallbearers are Kelly Jackson, Jamie Smith, Caleb Smith, Danny Thurman, Grant Thurman, and Matt Speich.  The family will receive friends on Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Bilbrey Funeral Home.