Obituary of Randy Pender

Alfred Randall “Randy” Pender, 64, of Mary Esther, Florida, passed away after a courageous battle with colon cancer on Thursday, January 4, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Randy was born on July 24, 1959 in Panama City, Florida to James Everett and Eldis Elizabeth Pender. Randy graduated from Fort Walton Beach High School in 1977. He then graduated from The Art Institute School of Fort Lauderdale in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

In 1983 Randy married the love of his life, Terri Blankenship. They built a wonderful life together and enjoyed living close to their families and friends. Randy was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Mary Esther.

Randy worked as the editorial advertising art director for the Northwest Florida Daily News for twenty eight years. He also worked at DRS in their paint department for several years. Randy’s last employment was at PYRAMID where he was able to share his artistic talent with adults that have development disabilities.

When Randy wasn’t working, he enjoyed reading, painting, photography, gardening and music. He loved to collect comic books and superhero figures. Randy had a passion for tropical fish and his tanks showed it. He also loved to cheer on his teams playing basketball and football. But most of all Randy loved spending time with his family.

Randy is preceded in death by his father, James “Jim” Pender; grandparents; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Terri Pender of Mary Esther, FL; son, Jeremy (Madison) Pender of Mary Esther, FL; grandson, Ashton Neil; mother, Beth Pender of Mary Esther, FL; brother, Steve (Susan) of Pensacola, FL; sister, Sandra (Don) Williams of Navarre, FL; motherin-law, Mary Blankenship of Crestview, FL; sister-in-laws, Amanda (Andy) Crumpler and Jacque Blankenship; uncle, James (Shirley) Hart of Pace, FL; nephews, J.C. (Julie) Pender, Robert Pender, Caleb Crumpler and Noah Crumpler; nieces, Jennifer (Kent) Vancil, Christy (Bernie) Salter, Cheryl (Alan) McAlarney, Ashleigh (Corbin) Henderson, Micah Crumpler and Bethany Crumpler; cousins, great nieces and nephews and many, many dear friends. He loved all of us and we all loved him.

A memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 13, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Mary Esther, 28 North Street, Mary Esther, FL 32569, with Dr. Jonathan Winningham and Glen Wentworth officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial tributes be directed to Randy’s family to assist with expenses.




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