Harry Earl Pond, III

Harry Earl Pond III, known to family and friends as Earl Pond, passed away on Sept 22, 2026 in Murfreesboro, TN at the age of 84. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his wife and three children. He was born in 1942 in Nashville, TN, and initially lived near Centennial Park. He would often talk of his fond memories of fishing at the lake in Centennial Park and playing in the unlocked Parthenon as a small child. When he was eight years old, he moved with his family to West Meade Nashville where he lived until adulthood. He was the son of the late Harry Earl Pond, Jr. and Elma Mae Brunner-Pond.

He is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Sue Flatt Pond; his children, Harry Earl Pond IV, Major Jeffrey Pond, U.S. Army (Ret.), and Rebecca Pond, as well as four grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother, Edward Brunner Jr, and his sister, Peggy Pond.

Earl graduated from Hillsboro High School in Nashville and earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Vanderbilt University. Following graduation, he began a distinguished engineering career with Union Carbide in Brownsville, Texas, where he worked from 1960s - 1970s, with a two-year leave of absence for military service during that time. He served in Vietnam and his military honors included the Purple Heart and the Army Commendation Medal.

In the 1970s, Earl joined Ethyl Corporation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he worked until the early 1980s. He was given an opportunity to move his family back to Tennessee when Nissan broke ground in Smyrna in 1981. Being one of the first 400 employees, he worked on numerous construction phases. While employed at Nissan he supported the United Way and was recognized as a Robertson Level member for 15 years. He retired in 2005, concluding a successful 41-year engineering career during which he served as both a senior engineer and section manager.

Earl's years in Brownsville, Texas, during the 1960s and 1970s were a particularly joyful and adventurous time for him and his family. They embraced the natural beauty and freedom of the region, frequently camping with friends and traveling throughout Texas and Mexico. Their adventures included visits to the Sierra Madre Mountains, Big Bend, South Padre Island, and two trips to Mexico City. These experiences created lasting memories for Earl and his family.

A man of deep faith and unwavering commitment to his church, Earl was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church in Murfreesboro, where he served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, and chairman of the Long Range Planning Committee. Over the years, he devoted 20 years of service as an elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA), having also been a member of Broadmoor Presbyterian Church during his years in Baton Rouge. His faith extended beyond the walls of the church through his participation in mission work, including a mission trip to Baltimore, Maryland, and he served on several pastor nominating committees.

Earl was especially passionate about helping others through his involvement in mission and community service. He traveled to the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota and to Nicaragua, where he helped install water purification systems. Following retirement, he volunteered with Clean Water for the World, organizing and supervising the installation of two water purification systems in Nicaragua. He was also an active supporter of Habitat for Humanity, generously contributing his time and talents to help build homes for families in need.

Earl possessed a wide variety of interests and talents, and he pursued each with enthusiasm. An avid motorcycle rider, he was a member of the Honda Motorcycle Club of Brownsville during his years in Texas and later joined the Murfreesboro chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG). He particularly enjoyed participating in Harley-Davidson fundraising rides and was especially supportive of the fundraiser benefiting the VA Fisher House on Compton Road.

A skilled marksman and outdoor enthusiast, Earl was a member of the Wartrace Regulators Cowboy Action Shooting Club, and the Priest Lake Pistol and Gun Club, where he served as president for two years.

After retirement Earl began to play duplicate bridge. He was a member of the American Contract Bridge League and earned Life Master designation in 2014. As a member of the Murfreesboro Duplicate Bridge Club, he served as scorekeeper, club manager, and club director. He enthusiastically shared his knowledge of the game. Teaching duplicate bridge for 13 years, at the St. Clair Senior Center and also instructed students through the continuing education program at St. Mark's.

Following retirement, Earl found great enjoyment in woodworking. He used his skills to create handmade pieces that he generously gave as gifts to family and friends. He was also an avid reader and collector of books, possessing a lifelong love of learning. Among his many Biblical readings, he completed both the Mishnah and the Talmud.

Known for his many skills, sharp wit, and brilliant mind, Earl was a man of remarkable ability and boundless curiosity. Yet, beyond his professional accomplishments and numerous interests, he will be remembered most for his loving presence in the lives of his family and friends. His legacy of faith, service, generosity, and love will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.

His Memorial Service with military honors will be Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 12:00 noon at First Presbyterian Church, 210 North Spring street, Murfreesboro TN. Visitation will immediately follow the service. Donations may be made to the churches’ discretionary fund or the charity of your choice.

An online guestbook is available for the Pond family at www.woodfinchapel.com.