John N. Pontius Jr., Fayetteville, died Aug. 22, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. He was born Feb. 23, 1931 in Butler, Pa. He was preceded in death by his parents, John N. and Mildred Hilliard Pontius, and a sister, Ruth G. Pontius. He was graduated salutatorian of his 1949 class at Butler High School. He worked for the Butler Eagle Newspaper before enlisting in the United States Air Force in 1951. He served in the Korean War in the Intelligence services. Upon discharge in 1954 he worked for the Troutman Department Store as sales promotions and advertising manager. Retired from Troutman he then worked for the Department of Labor and Industry for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania until his retirement. He then moved to Fayetteville to be closer to his grandchildren. He was worked in many capacities at his church including elder, Sunday School teacher and continued this service in Georgia. He led by example in all he did. Memorial services were at the First Christian Church of Tyrone with Billy Rowe officiating. Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Vivian Crawford Pontius, Fayetteville; daughters, Michelle and David Phillips, Fayetteville, and Lisa and David Malota, Vine Grove, Ky.; grandchildren, Clarinda Phillips and Jamey Trask, Sarah Marie Ellis, Eric M. Phillips and Bradley R. Phillips, all of Fayetteville; a great-grandson, Levi James Trask; a brother, William F. and Joanne Pontius, Butler; and a sister-in-law, Gloria Crawford. Memorial donations may be made to Villages for Children at Christian City or the Challenge Program for the Mentally Disabled at Christian City, 7345 Red Oak Road, Union City, GA 30292 or First Christian Church of Tyrone, 294 Jenkins Rd., Tyrone, GA 30290. Cremation Society of the South at Eagle's Landing was in charge.