Samuel Leonard Pons

Samuel Leonard Pons, 93, of Valdese passed away on Monday, January 11, 2016. He was born the son of O.H. and Essie D. Pons of Valdese on November 16, 1922.
Samuel was married to Emma B. Pons during World War II. As a 1st Lieutenant, he was stationed in the South Pacific serving in the U. S. Army, 503rd Airborne. Samuel was awarded the Purple Heart and was written in the book, “Patriots of World War II”.
Before retiring, Samuel was employed at Lenoir Rhyne College. He was a member of Lovelady Masonic Lodge 670 A.F.&A.M., the Scottish Rite of Asheville and also a member of Waldensian Presbyterian Church of Valdese. Mr. Pons attended Valdese schools and Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia.
Samuel is survived by nieces, Ruth Black, Susan Jones, and Kimberly Lail; great-nephew, Brian Black and Amber; adopted grandchildren, Ashley, Hannah, Cecely, and Titus; and special cousins, Jonnie, Sarah Louise, and Doris.
In addition to his parents, Samuel was preceded in death by his wife, Emma Pons; sister, Anne Laurie; and brother, Jimmy Pons.
The burial will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery with military honors provided by American Legion Post 234, NC Army National Guard and masonic rites by Lovelady Masonic Lodge 670. The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 14, 2016 at Waldensian Presbyterian Church with Rev. Dr. Kevin E. Frederick officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.
Memorial contributions may be made to Waldensian Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 216, Valdese, NC 28690.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.