Martin "Ponnie" Flegel

Martin Johnson Flegel, known affectionately to his family and friends as “Ponnie”, a loving father, grandfather “Pops”, and beloved husband of Donna Sparling Flegel, passed away peacefully on September 16, 2024 at Cape Canaveral Hospital, Cocoa Beach, Florida.Born on February 19, 1937 in the Oak Ridge Community near Andrews, South Carolina; he was predeceased by his parents, Rev. Martin W. Flegel and Myrtle “Myrt” McCants Flegel, his cherished sisters and brothers in-law, Mary Lambert (Ruice), Beatrice “Bee” Platt (Hubert), Patricia “Patty” Bankhead (Karl), his brother Charles Flegel, and brother-in-law, Shelby Pou.He had a strong work ethic and retired from a distinguished career as a Construction Superintendent with Ivey Construction and other various companies including his own company, Flegel Builders.  He worked on many structural projects at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.Ponnie was a member of East Coast Christian Center in Merritt Island and was a man of strong Christian beliefs, loved nature, and people. He was a devoted husband, loving father, caring brother, and loyal friend to all.  He was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and air boating.  His life could be defined as “Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you and the love of God…always stay humble and kind.”  He is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Donna; his five children: Steven “Steve” Flegel (Judy), Christine “Chris” McRee (Bob), Martin “Marty” W. Flegel, Cynthia “Cindy” Emerick (Hubert), Lisa Garrett, and step-daughter, Karrie Scarborough Hieber (David); 14 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Hazel Pou, along with sister-in-law Jeanette Flegel.  He was also a cherished uncle to many nieces and nephews.  A memorial service celebrating Ponnie’s life was held on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Oak Ridge Pentecostal Holiness Church followed by inurnment at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Andrews, South Carolina.  Florida memorial services will be held at 6:30 pm on Thursday, October 3rd, at East Coast Christian Center in Merritt Island, Florida.   His tribute will be held at 3:00 pm on Saturday, October 5th, at Cocoa Elks Lodge in Cocoa, Florida.  The Flegel family wants to thank you for all your kindnesses, thoughts, prayers, and for loving Our Ponnie.