Born May 27, 1951 in Trinidad, Cuba, he was a son of the late Francisco de Paula Ponce III and Argentina Ponce. Following graduation from Garinger High School, O.P. furthered his education at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he earned a degree in biology. He taught Greenhouse Biology at Independence High School. O.P. then became the General Manager for Olde Providence Racquet Club. He moved onto his career as a restaurant consultant, as well as, a restaurant entrepreneur.
The joy of O.P.’s life was his family. He adored his wife, Vicki Ponce whom he married July 20, 1985. He was also a devoted father and grandfather who attended all school and sports activities, cheering fiercely at every event. An avid hunter, O.P. spent many happy weekends with family and friends at the Whitehall Hunting Club telling stories and cooking for everyone. In addition to hunting and cooking, O.P. loved listening to music, salsa dancing, and telling a good joke that took 15 minutes to get to the punchline.
O.P. is survived by his wife, Vicki Ponce; three children, Tracy J. Notley (Kevin) of Charlotte, Brenda J. Dinger (Erik) of Portland, and Kim J. Flynn (Sean) of Charlotte; and three beloved grandchildren, Anna Angle, Max Dinger, and Kailyn Ponce; as well as his sister-in-law, Karen Ponce and his nephews, Paul Ponce (Monica), Daniel Ponce, and David Ponce, all of Charlotte.
He was preceded in death by a twin brother, Frank Ponce and his beloved Labradors, Bubba and Eightball.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm Friday, June 29th, at Harry & Bryant, 500 Providence Rd., Charlotte. The service to honor his life will be held at 11 am Saturday, June 30th, in the chapel of Harry & Bryant. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery, Weddington.
For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider the Humane Society of Charlotte (www.humanesocietyofcharlotte.org).
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