of Batesville, AR
March 22, 1946 - October 1, 2022
Drew Ponder lived an extraordinary life that ended too soon on Saturday, October 1, 2022 at his home in Batesville, AR.
Drew was born in Waco, TX on March 22, 1946 to Judge Andrew Gant Ponder Sr. and Maurelle Pickens Ponder and grew up in Newport, AR. He graduated from Kemper Military School in 1964 and from Arkansas College in 1968. While in college, he spent a year abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark, a formative experience. After graduation, Drew enlisted in the army and was stationed in Berlin, Germany, where he was the editor of a military newspaper. He married Vicki Lanier in 1972 and moved to Washington, D.C., where he worked as a speechwriter for John McClellan among other Arkansas politicians. After that, Drew briefly attended law school at the University of Arkansas, studied under Bill Clinton and later worked on Clinton's first congressional campaign.
Drew and Vicki ended up back in Arkansas, where Drew managed several locations of Davey's Locker Record Stores. In 1979, Drew welcomed many changes: a new job at CBS Records, a move to Nashville, TN and the birth of his only child, Maurie. In Nashville, Drew was surrounded by his greatest joy, music and his award-winning stint at CBS lasted several years. Drew never lost his interest in writing and tried to get his own songwriting career off the ground. Around 1987, Maurie began writing poetry herself and Drew and Maurie wrote and performed several poetry readings together under the name New Stuff/Old Stuff.
In 1995, Drew reconnected with childhood Batesville friend, Ansel Rhodes and moved back to Arkansas for good. Drew and Ansel were married in 1995. Drew spent his retirement in Batesville wrangling dogs, spending time with his dear friend, Drury Adams, growing his impressive collection of vinyl, watching countless hours of St. Louis Cardinals baseball and cultivating his air of Southern eccentricity.
Drew was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Belle Ponder and his uncle, Drury Adams. He is survived by his beloved wife of 27 years, Ansel Rhodes Ponder; mother-in-law, Ann Rhodes; brother, Gib Ponder; daughter, Maurie Ponder; son-in-law, Paul Dowell and granddaughters, Daisy and Ellie Dowell.
Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 424 E Main St. Batesville, AR 72501 on Friday, October 7, 2022 at 3:00 PM, officiated by The Reverend Jim McDonald. Reception to follow in St. Paul's Parish Hall.
Honorary Pallbearers are Mark Williams, John Harris, Paul Dowell, Bob Hall and Kenny Gerhardt.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Independence County Humane Society, 5 Environmental Drive, Batesville, AR 72501 and or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 424 E. Main St, Batesville, AR 72501.
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16 Condolence(s)
Mark Haggard
Saturday, October 8, 2022
So sorry to hear of Drew’s passing. He was a special friend who hired me to work at Davey’s Locker and we had many good times there. His knowledge of music was encyclopedic. After reading his obituary, we realized that my wife, Debi, had worked with Drew’s daughter at The Learning Lab in Nashville without realizing our connection. I will be eternally grateful to Drew for changing my career path and for sharing much wonderful music. Blessings to all his family and friends. Mark and Debi Haggard
mark wilson
Saturday, October 8, 2022
Drew was one of the first people I met when I moved to Nashville in 1987. Local articles about projects and causes often included his name. He was an interested and involved citizen.
Barbara Gay
Friday, October 7, 2022
Ansel I am so sorry for your loss. I just read about it. Prayers for peace and comfort in the coming days and years. I love you and Drew was awesome!
Mary Jo Shivey
Friday, October 7, 2022
Ansel, I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. Sending prayers to you and the family.ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™ðŸ™
Eran Pickens West
Friday, October 7, 2022
Farewell, Cousin Drew! Growing up next door to you was so great, especially since I was an only child. May you rest in eternal peace, eran
Sue Anne Jenkerson
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Dear Ansel: Drew was a special person and will always be remembered as one. Keeping you and his family in my thoughts just now.
Kay Stice
Thursday, October 6, 2022
Ansel, I’m so sorry for your loss. I remember all the time Drew spent with Charles at his coffee shop talking about their shared mutual interest…music. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gary Perkey
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Dear Ansel and family: Cindy and I were so sorry to hear of Drew’s passing. You are all in our thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
Luke Stroud
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Ansel and Maurie,
I'm so very sorry to hear about the passing of our friend Drew.
Love & Prayers for you all,
Luke Stroud and Lacy & Wanda Stroud
Johnny Milumm
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
There’s a popular saying “when an old person dies it’s like a library burns downâ€. With Drew it’s like the entire Smithsonian complex and the Library of Congress have disappeared.
Sarah shreve. Mark Shreve
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
In our thoughts and prayers
Phillip Cargill
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Ansel, I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. God be with you.
Becky Wood
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Ansel, I am so sorry to hear about Drew. I will always cherish having you guys as friends and neighbors. Drew was special to my Dad, and I know Daddy was special to him. You are in my prayers.
Becky Wood
Judy Messenger
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
I am so sorry to read that Drew passed away. My prayers are with Ansel and the rest of the family during this time.
Dane ( Rick ) Buford
Wednesday, October 5, 2022
I am saddened by the news of Drew's passing. He was the music man that could analyze and critique recordings that many of us were oblivious to. I was always welcomed into his home where he introduced me to a wide range of artists. I genuinely regret having lost my friend.
Becky Travis McCartney
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
Was saddened to hear about Drew. He and his family were our neighbors in Newport when I was growing up. I have many fond memories of him and his family. Please accept my deepest condolences. You will be kept close in thought and prayer.