John Joseph Bender, Jr.

RED SPRINGS John Joseph Bender Jr., 72, died peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2010. He fought a courageous battle with heart disease and acute lymphocytic leukemia. He was predeceased by his parents, Dr. John Joseph and Martha Matulewicz Bender; and his son, John Joseph Bender III. Surviving are his daughter, Michele Bender and husband Mark Huggins; grandchildren, Taylor Bender, Zachary and Heather Huggins of Columbia, S.C.; brother, Dr. William Raymond and wife Virginia Bender of Pensacola, Fla.; sister, Martha Ann Bender and husband James Jollie of Columbia; nieces and nephews; and his faithful Wire Hair Terrier, Amos. He grew up and graduated from Red Springs High School, and Belmont Abby College. Afterwards, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Cuban Crisis. He lived and worked in several cities in South Carolina, but since 1988, resided in Red Springs. Johns hobbies included following his beloved Tar Heels in basketball and football, as well as collegiate and professional sports. He loved, bred, and raised AKC registered Wire Hair Terriers and enjoyed auctions, trips to Las Vegas and reading. His strong Catholic faith guided him through life. He believed that one should live life to its fullest, and life was good as long as one didnt try to shorten it. Family events and holidays were always fun for him, but his greatest joy was with his grandchildren, whom he truly loved. A visitation will be held Monday, Aug. 09, 2010, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Crumpler Funeral Home, 220 E. Fourth Ave. in Red Springs. On Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2010, at 10a.m., Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at St. Andrews Catholic Church, 301 Mercer Ave. in Red Springs. Internment will follow at Alloway Cemetery, North Vance Street in Red Springs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to McMillan Memorial Library, 205 E. Second Ave., Red Springs, NC 28377. Services entrusted to Crumpler Funeral Home of Red Springs.