Gerald A. Ponder, 82, entered into his eternal home 9/15/2021. He was the son of Thomas Jefferson Ponder & Lena Leota Ponder of Omega, GA & Tallahassee, FL. He was the youngest of nine children, preceded in death were Harry Ponder of Omega, GA, Robert L. Ponder of Woodville, FL, William Beau Ponder of Fruitland Park, FL, Thomas J. Ponder of Radcliff, KY, Peggy Folsom Emery of Tallahassee, FL, Nell Romine of Tallahassee, FL and Kathryn Pope & Nita Shearouse.
He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 40 plus years Dr. Karen C. Krueger M.D. (Ponder), retired internist, children and stepchildren Kimberly Ponder, Craig Ponder, Kristen-Krueger Clemons (William) & Amy Krueger, sisters-in-laws Iola Ponder (Robert), Elaine Martuch (Robert), Carolyn Biehl (Ronald), grandchildren Austin Ponder, Camden Ponder, Ava Rickert, Morgan & Brandon Griswold & many wonderful & productive nieces & nephews.
He attended Carolyn Brevard & Kate Sullivan Elementary Schools, Elizabeth Cobb Middle School & Leon High School. He joined the Marine Corps in 1958, basic training at Camp Lejeune. With the GI Bill he was able to attain other vocational training in several areas and earned his commercial airline pilots license. He obtained his pilot Captain's ratings on 727, 747, & C130 airplanes. His career included over 20 years as a C130 Captain with Southern Air Transport, Miami, FL and flew in and out of almost every country in the world.
He was a member of Good Shepherd Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Catholic Charities, Big Bend Hospice, or a charity of your choice.
A visitation for Gerald will be on Monday, September 20, 2021, from 6pm-8pm with a Rosary service at 7:45pm. The service will be on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 1:30pm at Good Shepherd with burial to follow at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home and Memorial Park (700 Timberlane Road).
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