Phillip Norman Ponder

Mr. Phillip Norman Ponder, age 81, of San Augustine, passed from this life on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at his beloved home surrounded by his loving family. 

He was born January 6, 1944, in San Augustine to Curtis and Mattie Lou (Bland) Ponder. He was a San Augustine High School Graduate of the Class of 1962, owner of Ponder’s Rural Garbage since 1982, and a long-time board member of Faith Alive Church, formerly Assembly of God. Most of all, he was an avid family man and faithful man of God. He loved to spend his spare time playing dominos, fishing, hunting and all things a traditional country man loves.

He is preceded in death by his loving wife Linda West Ponder; parents: Curtis Earl Ponder and Mattie Lou (Bland) Ponder, children: Phyllis Smith and Chris White; brothers: James Earl Ponder, Lamar (Colleen) Ponder, Jack (LeMerle) Ponder and George Elvin Ponder; sister: Bobbie Walton; son-in-law: Charles Johnson; and in-laws: Billy Ray and Evon Wright, Cecil Wayne West and Larry West.

He is survived by his sons: Clayton (Bridgett) Ponder, Norman (Connie) Ponder, Stephen White, Jeremy (Crystal) Ponder and Hector Moncada; daughters: Armanda Johnson, Frieda (Mike) Stone, Mary Ponder and Summer (Dernell) Ponder-Pleasant; grandchildren: Regina Primrose, Ashley (Jodi) Johnston, Christina (Blake) Patterson, Kelsey (Dustin) Thomas, Clay Ponder, Justin (Erica) Horger, Joey (Jennifer) Horger, Brandon Stone, Jonathan (Kimberly) Dees, Christian (Haylin) Ponder, Justin Worthy, Eithan (Brittney) Ponder, Landon Ponder, Courtney Brooks, Steve Smith, Tiffany White, Roper Hayes, Josie White, Caleb Osbourn, Catelynn White and Trayce White: 36 great-grandchildren including his special “Two Two” Summer Sherrai Ponder; 4 great-grandchildren; brothers: T.L. “Tom Cat” Ponder and Marvin (Sherry) Ponder; sisters: Vonnie (late Ervil) Stover, Phyllis (Charles) Andrews, Mary Lou (late Preston) Stringer and Rhonda Kay (David) Dickson; in-laws: Danny West, Judy Brown, Randy West and Donna Brasher and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Faith Alive Church located at 1013 FM 1277 in San Augustine with Bro. Jimmy Young and granddaughters Regina Primrose and Summer Ponder-Pleasant officiating. Burial will follow at Liberty Hill Cemetery. Viewing will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at Faith Alive Church.

Pallbearers are Brandon Higginbotham, Roger Wall, Scott Collier, Michael Ponder, Mark Dickson, Clint Chambers, Benny Ponder, Joe Walton and Shannon Dickson.

Condolences may be offered and online obituary viewed at WymanRobertsFuneralHome.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Wyman Roberts Funeral Home in San Augustine.

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