Mr. Glendon Ponder, age 83, of Smithville, TN passed away on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at his residence. He was born on June 18, 1942 and was a member of Buckner’s Chapel Methodist Church in Smithville. He was an inspiration for 30 years to those he educated in DeKalb County, GA. Glendon found peace and beauty in mother nature and spending his time fishing. He valued family time and cherished the moments spent with those he loved. He took pleasure in reading, cooking, and eating, especially cookies. He was a homebody at heart with an easy going yet encouraging personality.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years Marie Byars Ponder, children Johnny Jones (Sandy Lomas) and James Ponder, grandchildren Michael (Jennifer) Jones and Lesley Jones, and special friend Patricia Tarczy. He is preceded in death by his parents J.E. Ponder and Geneva Cantrell Ponder, brothers Garland, Cordell, Eugene, and Bobby, and sisters Lucille, Helen, and Mairene.
A memorial service will be conducted at 5:00 P.M. Thursday, June 04, 2026, Dayspring Church of God with Bro. Rex Boles officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 3:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. Thursday prior to the service at Dayspring Church of God, 4295 Smithville Hwy., McMinnville, TN 37110.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to stjude.org
Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com
McMinnville Funeral Home and McMinnville Crematory LLC are honored to be of service to the family of Mr. Glendon Ponder.
