Jeffrey Lance Borden

Jeff Borden, level 72, passed away unexpectedly in his home on August 24, 2025. He was a mountain of a man that loved his family and his friends fiercely. He was preceded in death by his great grandson, Elias Greene; father, Dub Borden; his mother, Eva Pearl Wildman; sister in law, Joy Borden; and his four-legged child, Spanky. He is survived by his daughter, Heather Greene; son, Tyler Borden (Allison); grandson, Chance Greene (Bethany); granddaughter, Alyssa (Ryan); great grandson, Declan Greene; brother, Rod Borden; sister, Jeanne Monroe (Charlie); and many nieces and nephews (who fondly called him “UJ” or “Uncle Ugly”).

Jeff was so many things to so many people. Early on he began his career as an electrical apprentice, working in the family business. Following his heart, he decided that his love for the Lord called him into the ministry. He then went on to become the Youth Minister at Central Baptist Church in Daytona Beach, FL where he shined at youth camp during skit nights, being the main Beefcake and earned the famous moniker “Flash Borden.” He ministered with youth on many ski trips and races at the Daytona Speedway. He continued his education at Southeastern Baptist Seminary and eventually became the youth minister, then pastor at Olive Grove Baptist Church in Creedmoor, NC. Jeff thoroughly enjoyed visiting with shut-ins and outings with the seniors in the church - and as a joke applied to win a free membership to Spa Health Club.

It was the exciting phone call that he was chosen for a free membership that eventually introduced him into the world of teaching aerobics classes (and neon spandex). Many years later, he and his business partner, Greg Sims, started IFTA (Interactive Fitness Trainers of America) boasting national and international fitness certifications. They ran a successful business for almost 30 years, travelling sometimes upwards of 45 weeks a year. Their business partnership blossomed into an amazing friendship that has left Jeff’s family truly grateful for such a dear friend.

Of all of his achievements and accolades in life, his most favorite was being a Deddy, Grancool, and Great Grancool. While his antics, jokes, humor, and wit will make some of the hardest days a little easier. His soft, kind, warm, tender, gentle, emotional inner core will live on with us in everyday life. Missing him will be like a giant void in our lives that no one can ever replace. He was a man of great charisma and never met a stranger (especially with all of his “sayings” shirts)! If he wasn’t “at the hospital” (General Hospital that is) then he was spending his time reading the Triangle Food Blog, dining out with friends, brunching with his crew, or telling his family and friends how much he loved them.

Since Jeff would never want us to make a big fuss over him, we will honor him with a brief recognition of his life and the impact he had on us as follows:

Friday, August 29, 2025 2pm

at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home

1701 E Millbrook Road

Raleigh, NC 27609

In lieu of flowers, please consider purchasing an item from the next infomercial or donating to your local animal shelter.