Robert "Paul" Ponder, 89, of the Bethel Community went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 24, 2012. He was the son of the late Robert "Bob" and Doshia Tomberlin Ponder. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by brothers Leslie, Elzie, Lee and Ralph Ponder. Mr. Ponder was a devoted Christian and loving husband, daddy and papaw. He served in the United States Army during WWII and retired from Spruce Pine Mica as a machinist.

Mr. Ponder is survived by his loving wife of nearly 65 years, Atlas Shepherd Ponder, daughter Sharon Buckner and husband Randy; granddaughter Brandi Buckner Ball; grandson Johnathon Buckner as well as several nieces, nephews and loving friends and church family. He also had many loving friends and wonderful caregivers at Madison Manor Nursing Facility.

A funeral service will be held 2:00pm, Thursday, July 26 at Bethel Baptist Church of which he was a member and served as deacon for 46 years and church clerk from 1960-1968. Revs. Eddie Rice and Troy Rogers will officiate. Burial will follow in the Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 6-8:00pm Wednesday, July 25, at Blue Ridge Funeral Service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bethel Baptist Church building Fund, c/o John Radford, 395 Shake Rag Rd., Mars Hill, NC 28754.