David Lee Bender

David Lee Bender, 63, a resident of Gulfport, MS, passed away, May 9, 2021, at home surrounded by family. David Lee Bender was born September 19, 1957, to the late James M. Bender, Sr. and Willer D. Bender. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather; a spoiled son, a caring brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend to many. David grew up in Miami, Fl where he could be considered a jack of all trades. He pursued a career in underwater pipe laying, he also worked in construction. His favorite of all these professions was driving trucks. Some even considered him a shade tree mechanic, but all that truly knew him, knew him as a grill master and cook. David loved to show off his grilling skills by inviting everyone he met over to share a meal (insider “y’all can eat as soon as the cornbread gets done.”) He was a gentle soul that God allowed us to love for 63 years. He met and married his loving, devoted wife Kelley Blann on September 19, 1994. Their union created a blended family of seven wonderful children. David lived his life with the mindset that family is everything. If he loved you there is nothing he would not do for you! 2 Timothy 4:7 Our beloved David fought many battles with his health. On May 9, 2021, God decided it was time for him to take his rest in God’s Garden. Over the last decade of his life, he battled with high blood pressure, diabetes, kidney failure. He survived two strokes, two comas, heart valve infections, several sudden death episodes, and several episodes of cardiac arrest. David beat prostate cancer and COVID-19. He was a walking miracle to whom God extended extreme grace and mercy to. David was preceded in death by his father James M. Bender, Sr., his grandmother Virginia Houston, his two sisters Wilma J. Williams and Johnnie M. Bender, two grandchildren Mariyah Bender, and Isaiah Bender. He leaves behind to cherish his memory and uphold his legacy, his wife of 27 years Kelley Bender of Gulfport, MS; his mother Willer D. Bender of Miami, FL; two sisters, Williamae Deese, Mallie (Paul) Kendrick, both of Miami, Fl; two brothers, James (Janice) Bender, Calvin Bender both of Miami Fl. His seven children, David (Laura) Bender, Gainesville, FL, William (Caleene) Campbell of Pass Christian, MS, Norvel Bender of Gainesville Fl, Tekela Campbell, Ta’Shara (Joseph) King, Teakwandra Bender, Teakwon Bender, all of Gulfport, MS. Twenty grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, and friends God blessed David with many caring people who were there to assist his wife in caring for him until his dying day. His daughter-in-love Caleene was there to bring him food during his hospital stays, to give him baths, change him, and do whatever else her father-in-love needed. His son-in love-Joe was there during hospital stays, trips to and from New Orleans to different hospitals, mini road trips, and even cooking him hot wings upon demand. His grandson Jaye’Shean was there to help assist with the day-to-day duties of caring for his granddaddy and his three special little nurses Trinity, TeKhyla, and Jalani did their part to make sure their granddaddy was taken care of properly, along with his grandson, Jr., who always made sure his favorite shows were on the TV. He may be gone from us physically, but he will live in our hearts forever. Funeral services for David Bender will be held Saturday, May 15, 2021, at 2:00 pm at Empowerment Ministries Christian Center, Gulfport. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm. Infinity Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. David Lee Bender as they celebrate his life and legacy. For inquiries please call 228-436-6722