Oakley Curtis Fender, 82, of 10200 US Hwy. 23, passed away Monday, November 7, 2016, at John F. Keever Solace Center. Mr. Fender was a lifelong resident of Madison County and the son of the late Louis and Mamie Peek Fender. He was a US Army Veteran and retired from NCDOT as a mechanic for 29 years. In addition to his parents Mr. Fender is preceded in death by an infant daughter, Melissa Ann Fender; daughter-in-law, Vanessa Fender; two sisters, Orla Harris and Emily Blank; and four brothers, Jake, Harley, Raleigh and Chuck Fender.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jenell Ballard Fender; son, Ragan Fender; sister, Evelyn Moss; brother, Kernan Fender; granddaughter, Natalie Carter; two great grandchildren, Josiah and Jeremiah Carter; and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 2pm Thursday, November 10, 2016, at Upper Laurel Baptist Church, of which he was a member. Reverends Cline Junior Hensley, Jake Fender and Randy Blank will officiate. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8pm Wednesday, at Blue Ridge Funeral Service. At other times, the family will be at the home.
Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to Care Partners Foundation, John F. Keever Solace Center, PO Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.