Robert Price Ponder, born December 3, 1958, in Louisville, Mississippi, passed away early Tuesday morning February 11, 2025 at his home in Flora, Mississippi.  He graduated from high school in 1976 from Puckett Attendance Center, Puckett, Mississippi.   He held a bachelor's degree from The University of Southern Mississippi in Education, a bachelor's degree from Mississippi College in Accounting, and a technical certificate from Hinds Community College in Computer Networking Technology.  He was married on December 18, 2006.  He worked for Mississippi Forestry Commission 23+ years.

Robert was predeceased by his mother Marilyn Stevenson Burnham, father Guy Burnham Jr, and grandson Bubba Wayne Summers.  He is survived by wife Jo Ponder, step-son Daniel Summers (Ashton); grandson Waylon Wayne Summers all of Flora, sister in law Joyce Macaluso of Hillsboro, Mississippi, sister and brother in law James & Rachel Hill of Homewood, nephews James Palmertree (Lilly and Liam) of Terry, Mississippi,  Jason Hill (Chelsea), (Reid and Paisley) of Gulfport, Mississippi, Ryan Hill (Anna) of Mize, and one sister, Dawne Williams (Ray) of Puckett, Mississippi, along with his nieces, Christina Charczenko, Puckett, Mississippi, (Nick and Sophia), and Jesseca Harvey, Los Angeles, California, (Evelyn).  He is also survived by one uncle, Monroe Burnham (Pat) and two aunts, Dorothy Burnham and Shirley Burnham and a multitude of cousins and other relatives.

Robert was known by several names, depending on who you were.  He grew up in Puckett, Mississippi and was known as "Chub" by his friends and family members.  His mother, Ms. Marilyn, and some others in Puckett called him "Robbie".  His sister and her daughters called him "Bud" and "Uncle Bud".   Sometimes in his 20's on a job site, his boss called him "Bob".  Outside his hometown names, he became Bob until the end to everyone that met him.

Bob attended Bentonia Baptist Church in Bentonia, Mississippi where he truly enjoyed the services and attended Sunday School.  He attended Union Baptist Church, Mayton, Mississippi, most of his life prior to moving to Flora.  His favorite times were the old-fashioned Homecomings in a rural country Baptist church with all the food you could eat and the great fellowship that came with these gatherings.

In his younger years, he played football, basketball, golf, baseball, coached baseball, tournament bass fishing, archery, and hunting with his best friend Gary James of Williford, Arkansas, formerly from Madison, Mississippi. They spent many years enjoying outdoor activities as great friends do.

His greatest joy was his grandson, Waylon Wayne Summers.  He was known as PawPaw to him.   They played ball, watched tv, and ate popsicles almost every day.

Pallbearers provided by Masonic Lodge 621 of Puckett, Mississippi.