Ray Allan Pond

Ray was born in Scott, Ohio, the son of the late Omar and Caroline Mohr Pond. After shuttling back and forth from their farm in Scott, Ohio to Palmetto, Florida, the family eventually settled in Palmetto.

After graduating from Manatee County High School Ray began his education at Florida State University where he was a member of the ROTC. Before getting his degree he was drafted to do service in the United States Army at the end of the Korean War. Finishing his service in the Army, Ray returned to FSU to obtain his degree and continued his service with the Army Reserve and the Florida National Guard.

Upon graduation he was employed by the State of Florida until he became the proud owner, with his wife, of Gulfstream Paint & Supply Store in Delray Beach, Florida (Benjamin Moore Paint Store) for 25 years where his dedication and friendly nature made him a fixture in the community before retiring and relocating to Tallahassee.

After growing up on a farm, Ray became truly at home in nature and spent some of his happiest moments gardening, hunting, camping, fishing and anything with his family, especially many family trips to Walt Disney World camping at the Fort Wilderness Campground. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, First Families of Van Wert Ohio and was always supporting his wife and 2 daughters in their genealogy hunts of his family history.

A man who found his greatest joy in the beauty of nature, the comfort of family, and a good home-cooked meal, Ray leaves behind a legacy of hard work, adventure, and deep devotion to his country and loved ones.

Ray is survived by his devoted wife, Nancy Rivers Pond; and his loving daughters, Laura Pond and Kerry Pond of Tallahassee; his sister: Lonavene Pond Dennis (Murray), Houston Texas; brother, Richard Pond, Sneads, Florida and numerous nieces and nephews and his and Laura’s puppy dog, Bogie. Besides his parents he was predeceased in death by sisters: Mary Pond, Aileen Pond Barley, Eleanor Pond Long; half-sister: Dorothy Pond Foust; and half-brother: Vernon O. Pond.

A brief Military service will be held at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, 10:00 AM, Friday, September 25, 2026 followed immediately by visitation and a memorial service at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL. The family requests that attendees dress casually or wear Garnet & Gold attire. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bainbridge Humane Society or the FSU Library Development Fund.