Daniel Munoz Ponce, also known as 'Dan the Mocha Man," age 64, of Brunswick, Georgia passed away on Friday, August 22, 2025 at 2:35AM.

Dan was born February 5,1961, in Manila, Philippines, to the late Margarita Nunoz Ponce and Jesus Valesco Ponce. He arrived in the United States at age 9, when his dad, who was a Navy Chief was transferred to Glynco Naval Base in Brunswick, Georgia. Dan graduated from Brunswick High School in 1980 and then enlisted with the Navy -USN/ Navcruitracom SR Rank in Orlando, Florida for a brief time. In 1982, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue his musical talents (singing and playing drums) and ended up playing drums for the Transfiguration Catholic Church for approximately 30 years. In addition, Dan also performed a variety of jobs that included landscaping, well-drilling, and debt collections at Roundtree Collections in Kennesaw, Georgia. For many years he worked as a technician for The City of Woodstock Sewer and Water Plant.

Dan came back to Brunswick, Georgia in August 2020 when Covid was predominant and took a hard toll on his music career. While here, he worked for Estate Management services, Ace Hardware, and finally, Rich Sea Pack. Dan had to retire early due to end stage renal failure of his kidneys. This resulted in him having to dialysis three times a week. Regardless, Dan still pursued his musical passion and ended up being the drummer for Norwich Street Baptist Church, South of Savannah Band, and most fondly, Barry Barkley and The Red Shed Band.

Special achievements that Dan took pride in was that he played drums for Sammy Blue, a famous Blues artist and Miss Rita, who was one of the back-up singers for Ray Charles. They formed a travel band that played all over Atlanta, North Georgia, and Knoxville, Tennessee. When his son was born, he started preforming at local establishments around Atlanta. Most notable was being a drummer for Snake Legs Band and preforming weekly at Fat Matt's Barbeque. Finally, when he moved to Brunswick, he was allowed the opportunity to be the drummer for The Tams during the Jekyll Island Shrimp and Grits Festival in 2024.

In addition to his love for music and playing drums, Dan's hobbies included spending time with his son, Jesse and his nephews, Kaysen and Richie King. He served as a positive male influence on the boys trying to make a difference in each one of their lives. Dan thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his whole family. Most Sundays were spent having family dinner at his sister-in-law, Cathy King's home in Hortense, Georgia where he shared intense pleasure eating some of her good country cooking.

Afterwards he enjoyed gathering with the family on the back porch for fellowship. At home, Dan loved gardening and taking care of his plants. Dan was a very spiritual man and he created a small meditation area outside the garage where he could say his prayers every morning and have his friends visit. Dan also liked spending time outdoors and at the beach with his soul mate, Melinda Daughtry.

Dan was preceded in death by his father, Jesus Valasco Ponce and his mother, Margarita Nunoz Ponce, as well as his first wife, Karen G. Ponce and his sister, Isabelle Ponce. He is survived by his legal wife, though long separated, Venis Sheehan Ponce and a son, Jesus James (Jesse) Ponce. In addition, Melinda Klatt-Daughtry, was his significant other, along with his step-daughter, Sierra Danielle Daughtry (Lee). Other survivors include his sisters, Rowena Rumer (Eric), Vicki Vaughn (Brian), all of Brunswick, and sister-in-law, Cathy King (Pat)of Hortense, Georgia. Surviving in-laws are Mr. and Mrs. Jaime Klatt and a brother-in-law, David Klatt (Kristie). Surviving nieces include Amanda Rumer (Jesse), Emily Fiveash (Timothy), Kirsten Waters (Cameron), and Ashlyn King. Notable nephews include Alex Rumer (Stuart), Kaysen King, and Richie King.

To honor Dan, a private family ceremony will be held for the priest to bless Dan's ashes. In addition, a Celebration of Life will be held at The Jerk Shack (in the old Brunswick Mall) from 6-7PM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. Starting at 7 PM, Barry Barkley and The Red Shed Band will be preforming with Dan there in spirit. Dan was a simple man who liked sporting around in his drummer attire or leisure island clothes and loved preforming for the audience. In honor of Dan, his family invites you to come as you are- casual dress is more than welcome and they encourage you to stay and enjoy the show afterwards. Most definitely Dan will be there in spirit and screaming 'ROCK ON!"

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Dan.