Reese Leon Ponder Jr, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Wednesday, June 26th.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama in 1941, Reese dedicated much of his life to service and community. He began his career at Hayes Aircraft and later transitioned to the Southern Company, where he remained dedicated until his retirement at the age of 75 after 41 years of service!
Reese was a devoted sports enthusiast, with an unwavering passion for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He spent countless hours cheering on his favorite team and imparting his love for sports to his grandchildren Ben, Mia, Abbie, Sam, and Evan, whom he took great joy in watching play various sports.
In addition to being a spectator, Reese was deeply involved in local sports as an umpire for recreational baseball and softball leagues. His commitment and expertise earned him a well-deserved place in the Central Alabama Softball Association Hall of Fame, where he was honored for his contributions and dedication to the sport he loved.
Beyond his professional and athletic accomplishments, Reese will be remembered for his kindness, his warm smile, and his unwavering support for his family and friends. His legacy of love, integrity, and passion for life will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His love for music was seen in his involvement with the Shades Mountain Baptist Church choir where he and Linda sang and worshiped for over 30 years. Additionally, this love of music took them to see musical greats like The Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Keith Urban to name just a few.
Reese is survived by his wife of 48 years, Linda, and their two sons Hunter (Erika) of Vestavia Hills and Scott (Alison) of Bluff Park as well as daughters Karen Ponder Messersmith of Alabaster and Rebecca Ponder Mitchell of St. Thomas USVI.
Funeral services will be held at Shades Mountain Baptist Church conference center in Vestavia Hills on July 9, 2024. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, followed by the service at 11:00 am. Reese will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all whose lives he touched.
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