Hundreds have reached out to the family of Nashville artist and civic leader Phil Ponder since they found out in mid September that the beloved 93-year-old had entered hospice care in his home, relatives and friends said.
Tributes also are pouring in for the painter whose iconic Nashville watercolor skylines have been ubiquitous in homes and businesses across Middle Tennessee for decades.
“Phil Ponder proves that in Nashville nice guys finish first," former Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell told The Tennessean. "His art rejoices in both the history and the success of Nashville, all of which he loves — and Nashville loves him back."
Ponder's children said more than 120 letters and cards have arrived at his house in Hermitage. Among them are two oversized
cards with more than 50 messages on them from customers and employees at Chick-fil-A in Hermitage, where Ponder ate once a week or more, store owner Randy Atkins said.
"You are a true Nashville treasure," "I'll never forget you, Phil," and "You've been a blessing to me and the whole city" are among the messages written on those oversize cards.
The outpouring has been "uplifting" and "a comfort" for Ponder's children and grandchildren, they said in a statement to supporters that was shared with The Tennessean.
"We wanted to take a moment to say thank you. The messages, cards, calls, food, and shared memories we’ve received while Dad has been home, with hospice care, have been a true comfort to the entire family," the statement said.
"Dad has spent a lifetime highlighting the beauty in our local history and architecture. His treasured elements of Art were always the people behind the stories and creating memories," the statement said.
"Reading and listening to how his talent, kindness, and generosity have touched your lives reminds us of the power of community… the very thing he holds most dear. Thank you for lifting our spirits and honoring his legacy in real time. We are forever grateful."
Ponder is a Navy veteran, longtime businessman, 10-year aide to former U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville, and two-term member of Metro Council.
He likely is best known, though, for those 12 Nashville skyline paintings he produced about four years apart starting in 1982 after he began working with watercolors as a hobby five years earlier. Ponder also, with meticulous precision that often involved counting bricks on a building, painted Nashville's iconic buildings. Those include the Parthenon replica, the state Capitol, the Belle Meade Mansion, the L&C Tower, Two Rivers Mansion and various churches.
Admirers appreciate how Ponder, with great kindness, served Nashville through his art and his service in government business and civic organizations.
“Phil Ponder is completely the embodiment of the Nashville spirit,” Cooper said. “It’s hard to even imagine how many friends he has.
“Then to see Phil’s artwork everywhere. People want it on their walls. And it’s pure Nashville. From the Ryman to the skyline to the street scenes to houses in Old Hickory," Cooper said. "He could relate to everybody. It’s extraordinary the footprint that one human being could make in a community."
Ponder was commissioned to create much of his artwork, but he often gave it away.
“Phil has donated hundreds of drawings to benefit charities throughout Tennessee,” said Jim Varallo, a fellow parishioner of Saint Stephen Catholic Community in Hermitage and a drone pilot who often took pictures of Nashville's skyline to help Ponder.
“Phil is a kind and giving person who is always a joy to so many people," Varallo said.
Among the organizations Ponder has served: Donelson-Hermitage Chamber of Commerce, Military Officers Association of America, Greenways for Nashville, Metro Planning Commission, Holy Rosary Academy in Donelson and the Metro Parks Board.
"Everybody just loves him so much. He’s very well respected in every area," Chick-fil-A owner Atkins said. "He’s a community servant. He’s the real deal."
Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@tennessean.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Thousands reach out after beloved artist Phil Ponder enters hospice care
