Curtis Eugene Bender

Matthew 28:19

In the winter of 1927, on February 2nd, Mr., and Mrs., Ervin Bender celebrated the birth of their 5th son, Curtis Eugene Bender. Curtis was born and raised in Mount Juliet, Tennessee in a family of eight brothers and five sisters. He received his early education in the Wilson County school system. The entire family were members of the Cedar Grove Baptist Church. During his time at the Cedar Grove Church, Curtis served as a member of the Deacon Ministry.

After serving in the United States Army, Curtis met the love of his life at the County Fair in Lebanon, Tennessee, Wilson County. Willa Jean Wharton was selling ice cream at the fair, and after buying several cups of ice cream, Curtis asked her out for their first date. They were united in Holy Matrimony on May 28, 1952 and were blessed with 58 years of marriage. Curtis and Willa were blessed with three children, Chaplain Gary E. Bender, Fayetteville, Arkansas; Gloria A. Williams, Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and Dr. Jay B. Bender, Marietta, Georgia.

In 1960, Curtis and Willa moved to Nashville, Tennessee and became active members of the Cleveland Street Baptist Church. Curtis served as a Sunday school teacher and the Sunday School pianist. He was appointed by the late Pastor William M. Pitts to serve as the Director of Christian Education. In order that he advance his knowledge for this position, Curtis enrolled and subsequently graduated from both the American Baptist Theological Seminary and received a certificate in the Old and New Testament Studies from the University of Tennessee. While in Omaha, Nebraska, Curtis enrolled in the University of Nebraska, Omaha and achieved a certificate in Studies in Cults and Black Studies.

In addition, Pastor Bender served as the former President of the Nebraska New Era State Congress of Christian Education, Instructor of Ministerial Ethics for the Omaha Pastors and Ministers Conference, and a former Instructor and Lecturer in the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education.

In 1979 after retiring from pastoring, Curtis returned to Nashville, Tennessee where he united and became a member of The Temple Church under the divine leadership of Senior Pastor Michael Graves, where he remained a faithful member under the Pastorate of the present Senior Pastor Darrell Drumwright.

After his return to Nashville, Pastor Bender continued his quest to serve God’s churches and acted as Interim Pastor for the following Nashville-area churches; Mays Chapel Church Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, Greater Pleasant View, Brentwood, Tennessee and Jackson Street MB Church, Nashville, Tennessee.

Pastor Bender leaves to cherish his memory and legacy, son Chaplain Gary E. Bender (Linda); daughter, Gloria A. Williams, son Jay B. Bender (Tammie); Former Son-in-Law Porter W. Williams; devoted brother Cecil Bender; seven grandchildren, Corey E. Bender (Nicole); Candace Jenkins (Lawrence); Justin Williams (Shayla); Retired Major Carla Jones (Retired Major Mackenzie); Cameron Williams; Tamia Bender; and Jaden Bender; three great-granddaughters, Alexus (Camden) Reed; Brooke Bender, Londyn Williams, one great-grandson, Dallas Williams. A host of relatives, nieces, nephews and members of the Temple Church.