Trending
Gary Ralph Pontius, 78, of Lower Salem, OH, passed away on March 12, 2025, surrounded by his family at Eagle Point Nursing & Rehab in Parkersburg, WV. He was born on December 21, 1946, to Ralph and Clarice Martin Pontius. He graduated from Salem Liberty High School in 1964 and then attended Mahoning Valley Technical College in Youngstown. He worked in construction his entire career, first working for others, then owning and operating his own businesses until he retired. He also opened Paw Paw Creek Sporting Clays Range where he was the happiest. He was an avid hunter, golfer and fisherman and spent many years doing it. He was a true outdoorsman. He believed in animal conservation and spent many years being involved with Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Federation and The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. He was a member of the Carpenters Union in Parkersburg as well as Marietta.
He is survived by his two daughters: Kim (Greg) Nohe, of Marietta, Ohio and Julie (Jerry) Rice of St. Mary's, WV; grandchildren Austyn (Allyson) McVicar, Taylor McVicar (Brandon Sands), Sara (David) Craig, Lacey Nohe, Logan Rice (Erika Becker) and Brody Rice (Delanie Postlethwait); great grandchildren Jaxyn McVicar and Kinley and Olivia Craig. He is also survived by his brother Tim (Sue) Pontius, and sister Carole Hughey, along with many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Jerome Smith and brother in law Ron Hughey.
Family will greet friends for a Celebration of Life on Tuesday, March 18, 2025 from 4-7 at Hadley Funeral Home Reno Chapel, 1021 Pike Street, Marietta, OH. A private service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Memorial contributions can be made to the Salem Township Volunteer Fire Department, Amedisys Hospice, or The Boys & Girls Club of Washington County.
The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice of Parkersburg and the caring staff at Eagle Point for their compassionate care. Online condolences may be made to www.hadleyfh.com.