Justin Slayd Ponder

Justin Slayd Ponder, 38, of Stuttgart, passed away Saturday, June 27, 2026, at his home.

Born on May 18, 1988, in Stuttgart, Slayd brought a unique spark into the world, leaving a profound absence in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Known for his blazing blue eyes and incredible sense of humor, Slayd had a way of lighting up a room and bringing laughter to those around him. He was a son, a brother and, above all, a proud and loving father. His memory and his spirit will be kept alive by his son, Gaje Ponder, who was his absolute pride and joy, and whom he proudly shared with Gaje’s mother, Chasity Ponder.

Slayd was a 2006 graduate of Stuttgart High School and was a member of the Stuttgart Ricebird football team playing the position of center (#51). He was also a member of The Lighthouse Church.

Survivors are his son, Gaje Ponder and his mother, Chasity Ponder; his devoted parents, Raymond and Cindy Ponder of Van Buren, formerly of Stuttgart; brothers, Dustin (Rachel) Ponder of Van Buren and Ray (Shelia) Ponder of Reydell; sister, Joyce Marie Ponder of Sherwood; maternal grandparents, Jerry and Loretta Wortham of Hot Springs and Doyle and Muzett Inman of Stuttgart; paternal grandmother, Joyce Evelyn Ponder of Little Rock; uncles, Stephen (Eddie) Inman-Crawley of Hot Springs, J.C. Ponder, Steve Ponder, Marvin Ponder, and J.E. Ponder (Cindy K.), all of Stuttgart, and Stacy Ponder (Cindy Dawn) of Tumbling Shoals; aunts, Barbara Franzen (Marvin) of Maquoketa, Iowa, and Mildred Baldwin (Donald) and Patsy Jean Mingie (Les), both of Little Rock; and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Carl Ponder; uncles, Kerry Inman, Shelby “Bear” Ponder, James K. Ponder, Calvin “Doc” Ponder and Carrol Ray Ponder; and aunt, Mary K. Warner, all with whom he is now reunited.

Funeral services, officiated by Bro. Steve Bushey and Donny White, are 10 a.m. Friday, July 3, at Turpin Funeral Home chapel with burial following in Bayou Meto Cemetery.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday, July 2, at Turpin Funeral Home.

The family requests memorials to The Lighthouse Church, 2009 S. Oak St, Stuttgart, AR 72160.

May Slayd rest in peace.

“For I consider that the suffering of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18.