​John “Johnny” W. Ponton

John “Johnny” W. Ponton, 77, of Lovingston, VA, passed away on November 8, 2021 at UVA Hospital, Charlottesville, VA.

Celebration of life service will be held 2:00pm Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Calvary Baptist Church in Lovingston, Virginia with The Reverend Marion Kanour and Reverend John Campbell officiating.

A private burial ceremony will follow at Grace Episcopal Church, Massies Mill.

Johnny was born October 27, 1944 to the late Frances and Herman Ponton. He graduated from Nelson County High School and was a member of the Nelson County High School alumni group which created the “Catherine Whitehead Scholarship Fund” which awards scholarships annually to graduating seniors at NCHS.

He attended Montreat Anderson Junior College in Montreat, NC. and later graduated from Bridgewater College. He also served two years in the U.S.Army.

Johnny worked as a real estate agent in Nelson and the surrounding counties for many years and then started a woodworking business. He was a member of the Fleetwood Harmony Masonic Lodge and also served on the Nelson County Board of Supervisors.

He was a lifetime member of the Virginia Jaycees and a Jaycees International Senator.

He was involved in fighting hunger where he and his wife, Sharon began the “Blessings Pantry” project in Nelson County.

Johnny is preceded in death by his mother Frances Ponton and father Herman Ponton, Sr., and a nephew, David Fields.

Johnny is survived by his wife Sharon Ponton, his daughter Leslie Ozz (Brooke), son Christopher Ponton, sisters Kay Brown and Amy Stevens (Logan), and a brother Herman “Al” Ponton, Jr. (Brenda). Two nephews, Hunter Ponton and Kevin Fields (Kimberly), one niece, Amelia Stevens, a great nephew Kevin Fields, Jr., and a great great nephew, Andrew Fields.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Grace Episcopal Church, Blessings Food Pantry c/o Hal Loken, Treasurer, 2500 Dark Hollow Rd., Roseland, VA. 22967 or the Catherine Whitehead Scholarship Fund c/o Walter Quick, 202 Mountain View Lane, Arrington, Va. 22922.

Affectionately known as Mr. Nelson County, Johnny spent his life in service to his community through many small acts of kindness.

All Covid-19 restrictions will be observed and face coverings and social distancing are required.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston, VA (434-263-4097).