Ralph Louis Bonnin Jr., 62, of Panama City Beach, passed away on Tuesday, August 23, 2016.

He was born December 26, 1953 in Chicago, IL. He joined the Navy and served for 22 years, retiring as a Senior Chief and was well respected among his fellow servicemen. Upon retirement from offshore work, he excelled as an outdoorsman and competitive billiards player. Ralph was an avid storyteller, able to recall events with such detail that one would assume it was in fact a written account.

Ralph was very proud of his Native American heritage, as a direct descendant of Sioux poet Zitkala-Ša, who co-founded the National Council of American Indians.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Bonnin; 4 sons, Mark Victor Bonnin (Sarah); Michael David Bonnin, Matthew David Bonnin, Martin William Bonnin; 2 grandchildren, Andrew William Bonnin, Lila Mary Bonnin; and a sister, Holly Bonnin Ogle. He is also survived by friends, Gaila Wallace, Brian Dietz, and many others.

A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, August 27th at 1:00 pm at the American Legion Hall 535 Oak Ave, Panama City, FL. All friends, family, and shipmates are welcome to attend.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of Ralph Bonnin.