John Slattery Ponder

1935 - 2016

Beloved husband and father, John Slattery Ponder, 80, finished his journey through this life on Sept. 13, 2016, at the Bailey Family Center for Caring in St. Augustine, Florida. Those who were fortunate to know John knew him as a gentle, loyal, and humble friend who was devoted to his family above all.
John began his life in East Flat Rock, N.C. on Nov. 11, 1935, the youngest son of the six children of Edwin Linville Ponder and Lucy Slattery Ponder. John was the last of member of this generation of his family, having been predeceased by his sisters Louise Ponder King, Margaret Ponder Creech, and brothers E.L. Ponder, Jr., William N. Ponder, and George Ponder. His roots in the North Carolina mountains were deep, and even at the end of his life, after many years in Florida, he was of and from that place. He met his wife of 60 years, Rose Marie Pastore, when they were students at Hendersonville High School in North Carolina.
John grew up in the cradle of NASCAR, and transferred his love of automobiles to a career in auto parts. After moving to St. Augustine in 1969, he purchased H & M Auto Sales at 173 San Marco Ave. He opened a second location, called Big A South, in 1984. He retired from auto parts in 1994 and spent 11 years working with his son-in-law, David Stansel, in his business, the San Marco Antique Mall, where John was well known and loved by customers.
The greatest source of joy in John's life was his family: especially his daughters, Susan and Trish, and his granddaughter, Sarah Stansel. He also enjoyed restoring and showing his 1946 Plymouth Pilgrim in car shows and parades. He was a patient, wise, generous, supportive grandfather, father, uncle, son, brother, and son-in-law. Throughout his life, John performed many acts of kindness for which he never sought or accepted recognition.
He is survived by his wife, Rose Ponder, daughters Susan Ponder-Stansel (David Stansel) and Patricia Ponder, granddaughter Sarah Stansel, all of St. Augustine,and beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25 at Craig Funeral Home.
The family wishes to express its thanks for the care and support John received to Dr. Todd Batenhorst, and Community Hospice, especially Dr. Ana Sanchez and the staff at the Bailey Center for Caring. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory to Community Hospice, 4266 Sunbeam Road, Jacksonville, FL 32257, are appreciated.
Craig Funeral Home Crematory Memorial Park is in charge of the arrangements. www.craigfuneralhome.com