Mr. Enoch John Bonaparte, the third of five children born to the late Bro. John P. and Mahailey Thrower Bonaparte was born June 4, 1927 in Elloree, South Carolina (Calhoun County). He peacefully departed this earthly life on Friday, September 18, 2015 at his home in Elloree, South Carolina.

Mr. Bonaparte, affectionately known as "EJ" was raised in a loving and God-led nurtured home, with a hard-working family. He accepted Christ in youth and was a lifelong member of the Union AME Church, Elloree, SC where he served as a member of the Male Chorus and as a dedicated trustee for a number of years; serving as Trustee Pro Tem and Trustee advisor as well. Mr. Bonaparte received many awards and certificates of appreciation for his dedication and service in the church and community.

His early education was gained by attending Union AME Church School and the Orangeburg County Training School in Elloree, SC as well as attending Barber School in Columbia, SC.

"EJ" was united into holy wedlock to the late former Joella Murray in April of 1954. He was also preceded in death by two daughters, Bernice Bonaparte and Thelma Keller; one sister, Narcissus Bonaparte Joseph and one grandson, Eric Orlando Sellers.

Mr. EJ Bonaparte was well known in the community for his concern for others, his straight talk and being the self-proclaimed "Mayor of Stumphole Landing", Jack of Diamonds and he made sure his suits kept him "Clean as the State Board of Health". Mr. Bonaparte was well loved. He lived a full life and enjoyed making others laugh.

Those left to cherish fond and loving memories are two sons, Bernard (Maxine) Bonaparte, Elloree, SC and John David (Tyronia) Bonaparte, Summerton, SC; one daughter, Betty (Julius) Thomas, Orangeburg, SC; one son-in-law, Norman Keller, Jr., New York, three sisters, Louvicia (Willie) Jackson, Santee, SC; Frances Livingston, Elloree, SC and Evelyn Cunningham, Miami, FL; one aunt, Magdelene Moultrie, Summerton, SC; a special friend, Willie Mae Thompson; and a host of grandchildren, nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends. Also, extended family members Carol and Gwendolyn Snider, Brenda Walker, Angelia Kinley and their children.

Funeral services for Mr. Bonaparte will be held at 2:00 PM Thursday, September 24, 2015, at Union AME Church, 390 Old River Rd., Elloree, with Rev. Stanley Rivers, Pastor officiating. The casket will be placed in the church at 1:00 PM. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation at Williams Funeral Home of Elloree is scheduled on Wednesday, September 23, 2015 from 2:00 to 7:00 PM.

Friends may call at the residence or the funeral home. Online condolences may be sent to info@williamsfuneralhomeofelloree.com.