Phil Ponder

Phil Ponder, former Nashville councilman and renowned local artist, died  Oct. 1, 2026, at the age 93. A graduate of the University of Florida and U.S. Navy veteran, Ponder spent 30 years with Genesco before serving two terms on the Nashville Metro Council between 1995 and 2003. He also spent a decade as an aide to former U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper, D-Nashville, and 12 years on the Metro Planning Commission. Ponder is also known for producing watercolor paintings of Nashville beginning in 1982.