GEORGE HAROLD PONDER, JR. “SONNY”

September 2, 1926 September 22, 2020 Sonny Ponder, 94, died peacefully at his home on September 22, 2020. A service will be held at Chapelwood Funeral Home, Nash, Texas, to celebrate his life on Saturday, September 26th at 10:00 am in the chapel. The body will lie in state from 8:00 am-8:00 pm Friday at the funeral home.

Those left to cherish his memory include his granddaughter, Shelly Breedlove Labbe’ and her husband, Eliot Charles Labbe’, III; great grandsons, Eliot Crawford Labbe’ and Sheldon Charles Labbe’, and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Doris Sanders Ponder, the love of his life for 68 years. His stepdaughter, Diane Caldwell Breedlove; his son, Danny H. Ponder; his father, George Harold Ponder, Sr.; his mother, Allye Holliday Ponder; brothers, George William Ponder, and Caleb Ray Ponder, and sisters, Ernestine Ponder Pearson, Harriet Lee Ponder, and Jane Ponder Colwell Lummus.

Sonny was born and raised in Texarkana, Texas, where he lived his entire life. He loved his country, God, and his family more than anything else. At 16 he joined the Navy as a Signalman, and fought in the Pacific Theater of WWII, where he survived the sinking of 2 ships, that were destroyed by enemy fire. He was a very patriotic man, and very proud to have served in the Navy, and fought for his country. He worked for Union Pacific and Missouri Pacific Railroads as a switchman until he retired in 1985. He was a faithful member of Liberty-Eylau Baptist Church, where he worshiped, and volunteered for many years. His favorite hobby was fishing, and all that he needed to catch a “mess of crappie” was a small aluminum boat, cane pole, and bucket of minnows. He loved to be outside, and could always be found working around the yard, building, or fixing something. He loved camping with Doris in their travel trailer, and although they traveled cross country, his favorite camping spot was Wright Patman Lake. He is most remembered for his kind heart, big smile, and willingness to always help others.

The family would like to thank Betty Hayes, and Lesley Mackham for the compassionate and loving care that they gave to Sonny, and to Katheryn Schmitt of Sitters LLC.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, you consider making donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or LibertyEylau Baptist Church.