Mr. Richard Avery Bender, age 72, of Lavonia, passed away Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at his home.

Born October 31, 1950 in Detroit, MI, he was the son of the late Donald Avery Bender and Marjorie Jane Pine Emmons.

Mr. Bender was a United States Veteran, and was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church.  He was a self-employed welder, and also worked for Scientific Atlanta for 25 years.

Family members include his wife, Susan D. Bender, of Lavonia; son, Brad Bender (Denise); granddaughter, Taylor Malyshkin (Andrii); great-granddaughter, Sofiya Malyshkin; brother, David Bender; and sister, Patricia Stewart.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carrie Bender; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jack and Mary McElhannon.

The family will host a Memorial Service on Sunday, November 5, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Poplar Springs Baptist Church, Lavonia, GA, with the Rev. Bruce McGee officiating.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers and sign the online guestbook at www.whitlockmortuary.net

Whitlock Mortuary, Funerals and Cremations is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Richard Avery Bender.