Phil Ponder

Phil Ponder was born and raised in Ocala, Florida.  He graduated from the University of Florida in 1955 with a BSBA degree.  After attending US Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island, he served three years active duty on a Navy minesweeper.

He began working for GENESCO Inc. in 1959 and retired in 1989.  With the development of a popular painting technique, Phil established a very recognized niche in Middle Tennessee artwork. He is best known for his limited edition prints of skylines and famous buildings. The success of his “hobby”, which began in 1979, prompted him to accept art as a second career in 1989 as owner of Phil Ponder Prints.

In 1993, he was honored for his artistic talents with a Tennessee Outstanding Achievement Award from Governor Ned McWherter. Several of his original watercolors were accepted and shown by the Central South Art Exhibitions, sponsored by the Tennessee Art League. He has participated in the annual Christmas Village event since 1989. He has created over 700 originals and an estimated 550+ prints from his originals.

Phil was elected to two terms in the Nashville Metro Council, serving from 1995 until 2003.  He was President Pro Tempore in his final year on the council.  He was a candidate for Metro Vice Mayor in the August 2002 election.

He has served as President of several organizations including the General Andrew Jackson Chapter of Military Officers Association of America, Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Club of Donelson-Hermitage, Greenways for Nashville and L’Evate. He has also served on boards for Metro Parks and Arts-in-the-Airport.  He is a past chairman of Summit Medical Center Board, the Parrish Council at St Stephen Catholic Community and several community projects. He was a Metro Planning Commissioner for 12 years and served for over 10 years as Community Liaison for US Congressman Jim Cooper.

He and Dot celebrated their 68th wedding anniversary last June before her passing on August 21, 2024. Phil has four children, eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild with another on the way. He has lived in Hermitage since 1969.