Mr. Orval “Pug” Pounders, 92, of Phil Campbell, passed away at his residence on Wednesday, May 16, 2018. A native of Phil Campbell, Mr. Pounders was a member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church and a longtime member of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, having served as Franklin County President and Regional Vice President. He was also a loyal member of Alabama Farmer’s Federation and was currently serving on the Franklin County Board of Directors. In addition, he was former President of the Alabama Association of State and County Office Employees. In 2009, he was inducted into the Franklin County Agricultural Hall of Fame. He attended Florence State Teachers College (now UNA) and taught at Trapptown School for three years, two of which serving as principal. His employment included 44 years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Farm Service Agency (ASCS). His career began in Franklin County, and he later served as Executive Director for Franklin County from 1967-1994. In addition, he operated a large cattle farm in the Trapptown community until his death. He enjoyed family, camping, and traveling, confirmed by the fact he had visited all 50 states.
Visitation with family and friends Sunday, May 20, 2018 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville. Funeral services will be Monday, May 21, 2018 at 11 a.m. at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church with James McCullar, Dennis Steward and John Humphres officiating. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the services. Pallbearers will be frandsons. Burial will be in the adjoining church cemetery.
Surviving Mr. Pounders are his wife, Marge Hutcheson Pounders; children, Barry Pounders and wife Joyce, Sherry Oden and husband Joey, and Belinda Wimberley and husband Joey; stepdaughter, JoAnn Sparks; grandchildren, April Seay and husband Shane, Michael Pounders and wife Kristan; Andy Pounders, Jered Oden and wife Kristy, Justin Wimberley and wife Ashton; stepgrandson, Shawn Sparks and wife Lindsey; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Pounders, Addison Oden, Ella Blayke Wimberley, Hadley Oden, Dax Wimberley; stepgreat-grandchildren, Sierra, Hunter and Emerson Sparks; and other relatives and friends.
Preceding him in death was his first wife, Mona Coan Pounders who passed in 1982 after 31 years of marriage. He was also preceded by his parents, Low R. and Tishey Lou Pounders; brothers, Travis, Lenard, Randus and Harlus Pounders; and sisters, Icie Welborn, Evie Steward and Dora Cooper.
For those who choose, memorials may be made to Franklin County Cattlemen’s Scholarship Fund or St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church Relay for Life Team.
Pinkard Funeral Home, Russellville, is directing.
