Robert Severn Ponton

Robert Severn Ponton went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, August 14, 2013, at the age of 69.  He was preceded in death by his father Robert L. Ponton, and is survived by his mother Avis Severn Ponton of Lynchburg, Virginia;  his wife Lucy Bates Ponton of Drakes Branch, Virginia;  his son Robert Severn Ponton, Jr. and his wife Desiree of Overland Park, Kansas;  his son Charles Bates Ponton and his wife Sarah of Charlottesville, Virginia;  grandchildren Adam, Kevin, Sadie, Charlie, and Murrie; and one sister Margaret Ponton Shorter and her husband George W. Shorter of Roanoke, Virginia; a niece Page Tozier of Roanoke, Virginia;  nephews Brent Shorter of Houston, Texas; and Jonathan Shorter of Fairfax, Virginia;  a great-niece and great-nephews; and father-in-law Frank W. Bates.  Bob also leaves behind Amanda Henry Hurt, loyal friend and employee for twelve years, who always encouraged him in the Lord.  Amanda held a special place, like a daughter, in Bob’s heart.

At the age of 31, while attending a men’s retreat in Leesburg, Florida, Bob accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, the most significant moment of his life.  He lived out his faith through serving as a member and deacon of Drakes Branch Baptist Church, as a member of Full Gospel Businessmen’s Fellowship of America, and as a founder of Charlotte County Operation Blessing.

Friends celebrated his life and home-going at a memorial service on August 18, 2013, at Drakes Branch Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions may be made to Drakes Branch Baptist Church, P. O. Box 192, Drakes Branch, Virginia 23937 or Patrick Henry Family Services, P. O. Box 1398, Brookneal, Virginia 24528.