Joseph Ponds

Highlands, NC - Joseph Michael Ponds, of Highlands, NC, passed away on December 29, 2008, at the age of 87 after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Joe was born and raised in Detroit, MI. When WWII started, he became a Navy pilot. While assigned to Corsair flight school at Virginia Beach, VA, in 1943, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Webb. They were married for 61 years when she passed away in October, 2007. After flight school,

Joe was assigned to the aircraft carrier Antietam as part of the original crew, eventually seeing action in the South Pacific. He was the last surviving pilot from the Antietam original “plank owner” crew. After the war, Joe continued with the Navy and Air Force as a flight instructor, becoming one of the first to be jet certified. Joe and Betty retired to Highlands in 1981, where he became known as the consommé candy maker at Kilwin’s candy shop on Main Street.

Joe is survived by two older sisters, a daughter, a grandson and a great-great grandson. He was a wonderful man and will be sorely missed.

Online condolences are available by visiting www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com or by email.