Charles Derwood Ponds, 88, of Brentwood, TN, former resident of Huntsville, AL and Pickens County, AL, passed away May 15, 2012 in Williamson County, TN. Mr. Ponds was born December 25, 1923 in Millport, AL, to the late Grady and Vada Ponds. A graduate of Liberty High School in Pickens County, where he was a multi-sport star, Mr. Ponds proudly served his country during World War II as an Army Medic stationed in China. At the Wars conclusion he enrolled in electrical engineering at The University of Alabama. Upon graduation in 1950 he worked briefly for TVA in Knoxville, TN before a distinguished 31-year career with the U.S. Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville where he helped protect our nation by evaluating and testing defense missiles. Mr. Ponds loved his life as a 54-year resident of the Monte Sano Mountain community in Huntsville where he was a faithful member of the Monte Sano United Methodist Church. Mr. Ponds also loved and strongly supported University of Alabama academics and athletics. Mr. Ponds is survived by his wife of 64 years, Agnes Wright Ponds of Brentwood, TN, son Rick Ponds (Annette) of Brentwood, TN; grandchildren KaiCee Ponds and Zachary Ponds; sister Sara Eldredge (Stewart) of Titusville, FL and brother Billy Ponds (Patricia) of Prairie, MS. He was preceded in death by brother Grady Ponds, Jr. and infant son Michael. Funeral services for Mr. Ponds will be held Saturday, May 19 at 1 p.m. at the Pine Grove United Methodist Church, Pine Grove Road, Ethelsville, AL, and will be officiated by Rev. Dale Clem of Monte Sano United Methodist Church. A graveside service will follow at Pine Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Zachary Ponds, Loyd Wright, Lynn Wright, Luther Wright, Lane Wright and Steve Wright. Honorary pallbearers are all Mr. Pondss nephews and cousins. The family will receive visitors from 6-8 p.m. Friday, May 18 at Memorial Funeral Home, 716 2nd Ave. N. in Columbus, MS. In lieu of flowers the family requests you send a donation in his name to the Building Fund of Monte Sano United Methodist Church, 601 Monte Sano Blvd., SE, Huntsville, AL 35801.
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