Mr. Early "Wayne" Ponder

Mr. Early “Wayne” Ponder, age 80, of Arab, Alabama, passed away at Hospice Family Care in Huntsville, Alabama, on Thursday, January 26, 2023. Mr. Ponder was born on July 16, 1942 to Carl Edward Ponder and Gertie Viola Laney Ponder in Marshall County, Alabama. Wayne was married to Glenda Sue Black Ponder who preceded him in death in January 2019. Wayne earned an associate degree from Southern Union College. He was employed by and retired from Speedring in Cullman, Alabama, where he was Chief Estimator. Wayne attended the Union Hill First Congressional Methodist Church in Arab, Alabama. Wayne was a life long sports enthusiast. The only thing he enjoyed more than watching Alabama football was sharing his skills and knowledge practicing with his grandsons. Some of his favorite memories from his athletic career included being selected to play in the Alabama High School Athletic Association North vs South All Star Football game in August 1960, at the University of Alabama’s Denny Stadium, participating as a starter on a semi-pro basketball team and playing against the Harlem Globetrotters several times throughout the 1960s, and as a champion weightlifter in the 1980s. He turned down a football scholarship at a larger school in order to play baseball and basketball at Southern Union. He also played competitive baseball into his 70’s in Huntsville. His other interests included collecting coins and baseball cards. Wayne reached out to people and enjoyed helping them in any way he could. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren were the highlights of his life. He felt that any time spent with them made life worthwhile. Cherishing memories of Wayne include his loving family members; son, Christopher Wayne Ponder (Melynda); grandchildren, Christopher Bryant Ponder, Nicholas William Ponder, and Lauren Little Graham (Chad); Great-grandchildren; Camyle Graham, Campbell Hamilton, Charlotte Graham, Cecily Graham, and Cooper Graham. Wayne is preceded in death by his wife, Glenda Sue Black Ponder, brothers; Wavis Ponder, Wallace Ponder, Travis Ponder, Hollis Ponder, Levi Ponder and Silas Ponder; sisters, Alma Hornsby, Pauline Martin, Amy Ponder, and Ruth Dodd. Family and friends are invited to attend a celebration of life and memorial service on Sunday, January 29, 2023. The family will receive visitors from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. at Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel. The memorial service, which will be officiated by Brother Mike Shirley, will immediately follow at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers,the family encourages donations be made to Hill Family FoundationIn Honor of the Grant Hill Memorial Fund. Information can be found regarding the foundation at www.hillfamilyfoundation.net. Arab Heritage Memorial Chapel, directing.

Mr. Early "Wayne" Ponder

July 16, 1942 - January 26, 2023