John A. Bender, Sr.

John Aaron Bender, Sr. - Man of GOD - departed to be with the Lord Wednesday, April 30, 2008. John lived in Maryville, TN (formerly of Wilmington, NC) and was 83. He was a Christian Church Minister, and a member of Liberty Christian Church. He was a U.S. Army Veteran serving in World War II. After the war he attended Biarritz University in the South of France then was a member of the first year class of UNCW. He then completed his degree at Maryville College, and then one year of Johnson Bible College. He then received a Master's Degree from Butler University. Preceded in death by: Wife, Mary C. Bender; Parents, Carl D. & Bessie Bender; two sisters and 6 brothers. Survivors include: Son, John A. Bender Jr.; Brothers & Sisters-in-law, Robert & Ernestine Bender and Norwood & Doris Bender all of Wilmington, NC; Special friend, Gerilyn Lind. Funeral service will be at 3:00 PM, Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Smith Trinity Chapel with Minister Harold Ray, Minister David Eubanks, and Minister John Handlos officiating. Interment will follow at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Liberty Christian Church, 3964 Montvale Road, Maryville, TN 37803. Family will receive friends from 1:30 until 3:00 PM, Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Smith Trinity Chapel. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of John A. Bender, Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.