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William “Bill” Ponder, 79, of Bainbridge, Ga., passed away Wednesday, May 6, 2020.

Due to the ongoing concerns regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, a private graveside funeral service will be held at Franklin Baptist Church Cemetery with Rev. Gwan Garrison officiating.

Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.iveyfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Franklin Baptist Church, 189 Robin Lane, Bainbridge, Ga. 39819.

William Ponder was born November 9, 1940 in Cairo, Ga., the son of Junior and Mattie Lou Boutwell Ponder. He was a graduate of Wayside Community High School and attended Lineman’s School. Bill proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He was a member of Franklin Baptist Church.

Bill loved people and never seemed to meet a stranger. He has been described as someone who would talk to a fence post if it would listen. Farming was a way of life for Bill and he spent many hours tending the land or riding to check crops. He enjoyed fishing and hunting, but his tractor and the work to be done was never far from his mind.

Survivors include his children, Darren & Lisa Ponder of Bainbridge, Reggie & Stacie Ponder, also of Bainbridge, and Samantha & Phillip Green of Thomasville, Ga.; his siblings, Benson & Rosa Ponder of Jacksonville, Fl., Mattie & Roy Adams of Whigham, Ga., Faye & Leo Dozier of Jesup, Ga., Joe Ponder & Cleo of Cairo, Ga., and Charles & Teanna Ponder also of Cairo; his grandchildren, Colby & Kaitlyn, Brooke, Brandon, Bradlee, Matthew and Miles; his great-grandchildren, Mallory, Makenzie, Marley, Gracen and Bryson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Laverne Pinion Ponder; and his brothers, Abner Ponder, Paul Ponder and Danny Ponder.