Mr. Samie Junior Ponder, age 70, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Late Monday night, January 27, 2020 at Hamilton Medical Center. Samie was born August 9, 1949 in Ellijay, Georgia, the son of the late C.R. Ponder and Louise Silvers Ponder. Sami was also preceded in death by his brother, Bobby Ponder; sisters, Geneva Miller and Arcil McGill; grandson, Destin Groves.

Samie is survived by his wife, Melva Collins Ponder of Dalton, Georgia; son, C.R. Ponders of Dalton, Georgia; daughter, Rebecca (Charlie) Crider of Cohutta, Georgia; brothers, Billy (Betty) Ponder of Dalton, Georgia, Edward (Tina) Ponder of  Dalton, Georgia, Marvin Ponder of Cohutta, Georgia; sisters, Joyce ( Oscar ) Miller of Cohutta, Georgia, Cindy ( David ) Green of Cohutta, Georgia, Melinda  Moreno of Dalton, Georgia; father and mother-in-law, Frank ( Leona ) Southern of Lafayette, Georgia; special friends, Brian Collins and Dale Collins; 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews.

The service to celebrate the life of Samie will be held, Friday January 31, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. from Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Gary Garrett officiating. Burial will follow the service at Center Point Baptist Church with Adam Johnson, Alex Johnson, Tony Southern, Bryan Crider, Levi Ponders and JR Crider.

The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and from 11:00 a.m. until the service hour of 2:00 p.m. Friday from Ponders Melrose Chapel.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.pondersfuneralhome.com .
Arrangements will be announced by, Ponders Melrose Chapel 138 Melrose Drive Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002