Morton Rudolph "Buddy" Ponder

Morton Rudolph (Buddy) Ponder, 88, passed away Saturday, December 15. 2012. Morton was born in Jacksonville, Alabama on May 27, 1924 to Sadie Lou and John Mack Ponder. After graduating from Jacksonville High School, he worked for the Profile Cotton Mill until he enlisted with the Marine Corps. He served from September 1942 to September 1945 rising to the rank of Corporal and saw action during WWII in the Pacific Theater. The Purple Heart was awarded to him for being wounded in action on Iwo Jima. After the war, he worked with ADT in security from 1945-1976 and then security for Atlantic Bank until the early 80’s and his retirement. Morton was predeceased by his wife, Elsie H. Ponder in 2011 after 64 years of marriage. He will be remembered and celebrated by his surviving children Mike, Debbie, Denny, Timmy and Barry; grandchildren Eric, Cassie, Nick, Sarah, Zack, Kathleen, Joey, Cameron and Chad; and great-grandchild Finn. He has one surviving baby sister who loved him dearly, Rosamond Ponder Briegel. The family visitation to greet friends will be held on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home 4315 Main St., Jacksonville, FL. 32206. The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, December 20, 2012 at 11a.m. at Highlands Baptist Church 2159 Broward Rd., Jacksonville, FL. 32218. Interment will follow at Jacksonville National Cemetery with military honors. Contributions in his memory can be sent to the American Heart Association