William McGee Ponder

William (Bill) Ponder was born in 1921 in Caldwell, Texas. He was the last surviving child of fourteen. He was the star athlete of Silsbee High School in football, basketball, baseball and track. Some of his records may still stand. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1940, was trained as a commando, and served on the Battleship, USS Mississippi in the North Atlantic and in the Pacific after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Bill fought in almost all of the major battles of the Pacific Theater, rising to the rank of Chief Boatswain's Mate after being transferred to the Attack Transport, USS La Salle.

During the war he met the love of his life, Juanita, in San Francisco. They married in Monterey on December 20, 1943 while Bill was on a three day pass. Bill left to continue his service in the Pacific war, not to return for eighteen months. Such was the life a wartime marriage. Bill was honorably discharged from the Navy in 1946 after serving during all of World War II. After leaving the Navy Bill and Juanita lived in San Francisco where he worked as a self employed butcher, owning the Royal Pine Grocery and Meat Market at 828 Irving St. They owned a Shell gas station at 19th Avenue and Lincoln St. Their three children were born in San Francisco. In 1959 the family moved to the Monterey Peninsula where they started the B&J Grocery and Meat Market, on Lighthouse in Monterey. As times changed Bill became an auctioneer. This led to beginning both new and used furniture stores in "New" Monterey and Seaside, culminating in Furniture Square on Pacific Street in downtown Monterey. In early "retirement" they opened a jewelry business, the Jewel Box in Carmel. Bill was an avid golfer and horseman who also loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Juanita passed away in 2010. His family and friends will always fondly and lovingly remember Bill.

His three children and six grandchildren survive Mr. Ponder. Tim; who is married to Laurie and lives in Dallas TX, they have two daughters Jennifer and Jackie also in Texas. Kathy; who is married to Myron and lives in Cupertino, CA. They have two sons, Cameron and Clayton also in Cupertino. James; who is married to Mary Ann and lives in Aromas, CA. They have two sons Chris and Tommy who live in Arizona.

Services will be held at The Paul Mortuary Chapel in Pacific Grove, CA on Saturday, February 10th. Viewing will begin at 1 pm with service to follow at 2 pm.