Paul lived a life dedicated to his faith in Jesus Christ and love for his family. His thirst for life was boundless and all who knew him, even in passing, came away anew, emboldened by his compassion, encouragement, good humor and genuine care for all he encountered. Paul Gifford Pond was born March 20, 1942 in Port Arthur, Texas to Mack and Lavon Pond. Paul was not only an Eagle Scout, but was awarded the Silver Palm. Paul attended Louisiana State University and received a bachelor's degree in Business, which he put to good use as an employee and later owner of the family owned and operated Greenlawn Memorial Park in Port Arthur. He served as Chairman of the Texas Funeral Service Commission under Governors Clements and Richards, and was a member of the Board of Regents for Stephen F. Austin State University appointed by Governor Perry. He was also a member of the North Port Arthur Rotary Club and served in various levels of leadership. Paul served as deacon, elder and bible teacher at Cathedral in the Pines Christian Center from 1984 to 2002. Paul is survived by his wife of 36 years, Lila Long Pond and his eight children: Shelley Pond Harvey and husband, John, Ashlyn Pond Simon and husband, Robert, Loren Pond Stubbeman and husband, Mark, Paula Pond Holt, Meredith Pond Tibbetts and husband, Ryan, Joshua Paul Pond and wife, Jennifer, Alden Mack Pond and Emily Rose Pond. He is also survived by his 18 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Levingston Funeral Home, 5601 39th St, Groves, TX, on Friday, October 26, 2012 from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. A service and celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church, 4000 Grant Ave, Groves, TX, on Saturday October 27, 2012 at 10:00am. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask donations be sent to the following ministries: Fellowship Bible Church Dallas fellowshipdallas.org; First Baptist Church of Groves fbcgroves.org; High Impact Life highimpactlife.com; or Stephen F. Austin Alumni Association sfaalumni.com.