Obituary: Judge Thomas O. Bondurant

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Retired Henrico County General District Court Judge Thomas O. Bondurant died July 26.

Judge Bondurant grew up in Rice, just outside of Farmville, and attended Prince Edward Academy in Farmville. Upon graduating, he attended the University of Richmond, where he majored in English. As a member of the Spiders’ baseball team, he led the Southern Conference in batting average in his junior year and was a two-time All-Southern Conference first baseman. During his senior season, Judge Bondurant was named team captain. He was also a member of the Theta Chi fraternity.

After earning his bachelor’s degree in 1971, Judge Bondurant continued his studies at the University of Richmond School of Law, while simultaneously serving as an assistant coach for the university baseball team. He graduated law school in 1974.

Following law school, Judge Bondurant practiced law in the Richmond area for more than 40 years. As an attorney, he enjoyed driving from courthouse to courthouse, representing clients and meeting with friends and colleagues.

During his legal career, Judge Bondurant served for 11 years as county attorney for Westmoreland County and as a substitute judge for decades. He was a founding member of the Henrico County Bar Association and served on the Virginia State Bar Disciplinary Board and the board of Lawyers Helping Lawyers.

Judge Bondurant gave back to his alma mater, serving as an adjunct professor at the University of Richmond for a decade, where he taught trial advocacy.

In 2016, Judge Bondurant was appointed by the General Assembly to serve on the Henrico County General District Court. He served until his retirement in 2022, after which he worked as a substitute judge until his death.

Judge Bondurant was inducted into the University of Richmond Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018 and was recognized by the Richmond Bar Association for his leadership and mentorship of countless attorneys.

Away from work, Judge Bondurant enjoyed coaching his daughters at their games and was noted for his humor, quick wit, and love for his family. He was a devoted fan of the University of Richmond’s baseball team and the New York Yankees.

Judge Bondurant is survived by his wife of 52 years, Christie; his daughters, Leigh and Ginnie; his sons-in-law, Matt and Chris; his brother, Judge Elliott Bondurant; and four granddaughters.