Tommy "Tom" Bryant Bender

TOMMY BRYANT BENDER “TOM” a lifelong resident of Irvington, Alabama passed away on July 2, 2021 following a lengthy but heroic battle with cancer. Tom was predeceased by his parents Rankin “Benny” and Lois Bender, grandparents Malcolm and Sybil Barnes, beloved grandson Bender James Davis, and nephew Jeremy Clark. He is survived by his loving children, Charles Bryant “Charlie” Bender (Elana) of Spanish Fort, AL; Jennifer Bender Davis (Jordan) of Madison, MS; Thomas Nicholas “Nick” Bender (Farrah) of Irvington, AL; Christopher Ryan Bender (Livi) of Satsuma, AL; his much-loved grandchildren, who were ALL his world, Caden, Thomas, William, Emery, Bender, Chandler, Mary Francis, Evey, Karson, and soon-to-arrive Charlotte; his former wife and good friend, Brenda Fuller. Brothers Benny Ray Bender (Janice) of Irvington, AL; Michael Bender (Sonja) of Irvington, AL; Bruce Allen Bender (Lori) of Irvington, AL; Sisters Patricia Slater (Malcolm); and Deborah Dodge (Brian) both of Irvington, AL; brother Danny Bender (Peggy) of Wilmer, AL; his paternal aunt Willene Clements of Mobile, AL; and maternal aunt Venette O’Brien of Terrell, TX.; and three young men whom Tom loved as his own, Jimmy Tran of Austin, TX; Allen Haynes and Aaron Haynes of Grand Bay, AL; a host of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and many friends.

Tom was born in Houston, TX. But moved to Irvington, AL. as a young child. He served in the Merchant Marines from 1968 as an Ordinary Seaman, then as an able-bodied seaman and from 1980 as 100-ton and later 300-ton boat captain. He owned and operated a maritime employment agency for 10-years and served as co-owner and maritime safety coordinator for an international boat company.

Tom was a die-hard Alabama fan and was most at home on a baseball field. He enjoyed coaching tournaments and traveling teams. He was an avid storyteller with a story for every situation. He loved and cared for people, was a great friend and father-figure to many and had an open door for anyone who needed a home. He also loved beautiful women!

Visitation will be held Wednesday, July 7, 2021 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the Irvington Fellowship Bible Church, Matlock Road, Irvington, AL. Funeral Service will be held at the church on Thursday, July 8, 2021 at 10 a.m. with the Rev. Malcolm Slater and Rev. Gene Clark officiating. Interment will follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Irvington-Bayou LaBatre Highway. Pallbearers are Charles Bender, Nick Bender, Chris Bender, Jimmy Tran, Allen Haynes, Aaron Haynes, Tony Downing, Kevin Clark, Justin Jones, and Jordan Davis. Honorary pallbearers are, Caden Bender, Chandler Bender, Will Bender, Marcus Bolar, Thomas Davis, Travis Fleming, George McBride. Karson Pope, and Tommy Zirlott. Memorial contributions may be made to the Little Sisters of the Poor, Mobile, AL.