Point Clear native, Michael Nelson Ponder Sr., passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 at South Baldwin Regional Medical Center. He was surrounded by love, including his two children; his lifetime friend, Carlton Niemeyer; his cousin Daniel T. Chatwood Sr., with daughter, Rachel Chatwood; and his beloved brother-in-law, Sam W. Irby.
Mike was born March 3, 1938 at home to parents Mary Ella Nelson Ponder and Jabez (Jack) Mann Ponder Jr.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his older brother, Jabez (Jack) Mann Ponder III; and Jack’s wife, Margaret.
Mike is survived by his son, Michael Nelson Ponder Jr. (wife, Regina); his daughter, Paige Ponder Monaghan (husband, Andrew); his grandsons, Clay and Garret Ponder; his granddaughter, Kelley Anne Monaghan; and many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and friends who considered him family.
Mike attended Point Clear Grammar School. He graduated from Fairhope High School, Class of 1956.
He was in the U.S. Navy and then graduated from Auburn University, Class of 1962, with a civil engineering degree.
He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity and his love for Auburn continued his entire life.
He lived for his children and grandchildren, his friends, family and Auburn football. He also loved the Fairhope Pirates and attended all of the games with his buddy, Carlton Niemeyer.
Mike was a 20-year cancer survivor.
He founded/owned Ponder Engineering and Survey in Daphne before moving to Waverly, Ala.
Upon retirement, he returned to Baldwin County and built his home in Magnolia Springs in 2009 to be close to his family. He enjoyed picking his granddaughter up from school every day.
He will be remembered as a wonderful dad, grandfather, friend and uncle. He was the definition of love and generosity.
His joy for life remains with him. Our loss is heaven’s gain, partly due to his classic Ponder wit: Just a few weeks before he passed, he wrote his daughter a note saying, “Please add this to my obit: In lieu of flowers, keep the money in your pocket.”
However, in life, Mike gave to many charities. For those wishing to make a memorial donation, these were among his favorites: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Magnolia Springs Public Library.
