Ron K. Ponder

Ronald “Ron” Kent Ponder, 70, husband of the late Maria Brockman Ponder, passed away December 8, 2025. A native of Greer, South Carolina, son of the late Kent Alford and Martha Elvira Jones Ponder, he was of the Christian faith. The man, the myth, the master of funny stories and a lifelong believer that this might finally be the year for the Gamecock, has officially signed off from this world, leaving behind a trail of laughter, good memories, and an uncanny ability to make anyone smile. Born with a glove in one hand and a football in the other, Ron’s early days were filled with sports and trips to see his beloved Atlanta Braves. He attended Greer High School before moving on to the University of South Carolina, where he earned his degree in Journalism and began his lifelong love/hate relationship with USC football. (Mostly love, occasionally accompanied by creative yelling at the TV.) Ron went on to a successful career in sales, which suited him perfectly. He earned a living doing what he did best: talk to people, make friends everywhere he went, and leave them laughing. His humor, warmth, and kindness were his calling cards, and his passport stamps told the story of a life well-traveled. But his favorite title wasn’t salesman, traveler, or even comedian; it was husband and dad. His love for his wife, Maria, and daughter, Stephanie, was fierce and unwavering. Nothing made him happier than caring for his girls, whether he was cooking top-tier dinners, filming countless home videos, or planning the next adventure. Annual trips to Las Vegas to see his favorite band, Chicago, became a cherished tradition that summed up his spirit perfectly: fun-loving, loyal, and always ready for a good tune and a good time. Ron’s life was, by all measures, a success. He was generous, funny, loyal, and the kind of guy who could turn a Tuesday night into a good time. He will be deeply missed but remembered with laughter more than tears. Surviving are a daughter, Stephanie Ponder Farley (Bryan) of Simpsonville and three grandchildren, Annalise, Wren, and Cole Farley. Graveside services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 13, 2025, at Hillcrest Memory Gardens conducted by Rev. David Boyter. Visitation will be held after the service at the cemetery. The family is at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity, or better yet, raise a glass of Crown Royal and toast to Ron: a life well lived, and a man well loved. Online condolences may be made at www.thewoodmortuary.com.

Ron K. Ponder

February 12, 1955 - December 8, 2025