Samuel Lee Ponder, 59, of Chidester, AR, passed away December 16, 2024. He was born on November 25, 1965 in Monticello, AR. He was the son of Janice and Bill Ponder. Sam loved hunting and fishing. Samuel was a 1985 graduate of Chidester Public Schools.

Samuel was preceded in death by his grandparents, Vari Chamberlain, George and Faye Ponder, Mary Nell and Mitchell Clason.

He is survived by his parents Janice and Bill Ponder; his brother, John Ponder (Cheryl) of Luling, LA; sisters, Laura Tuberville of Chidester, AR and Elizabeth Billingly of Fort Worth, TX; his sons, Ethan Evans and Rafe Snow.  He will be missed by his nieces and nephews, who he told them all they were his favorite, and his uncles, aunts and many cousins. He will be missed by his special friends, Frank LaVanture and Verna Riley.

Special thanks to Dr. Braden and the hospice nurses, social worker and chaplain: Elana, Becky, Russ, Maddy Tessa and Carroll.

A Memorial Service, lead by his brother John, will be announced and held at a later date.