Foster Jason Fender

Mr. Foster Jason Fender, age 53 of Willacoochee, Ga. passed away Sunday August 07, 2016.   Jason was born October 15, l962 in Homerville, Ga., son of Foster “Bo” and Francine Sutton Fender. He had made his home in Atkinson County for most of his life.  He was a Graduate of Atkinson County High School and South Georgia College. Jason began his career with Woodmen of the World on August 1, 1984, as a Field Representative and was promoted to Area Manager in South Georgia on January 1, 1988.  He was the 1984 Sure Start Trophy winner for his class and earned the following awards in South Georgia:  Top Field Rep in production, Area Manager Outstanding Accomplishment Plaque for a number of years, Area Manager Award for Highest Net Gain of Full-time Reps for a number of years, Area Manager Award for Highest Retention of Full-time Reps for a number of years and recruited numerous Sure Start Trophy winners.  Jason was also a consistent Field Trip winner.  Jason was appointed State Manager of Central Georgia Woodmen October 1, 2006, and has led Central Georgia to substantial increases in production and growth of the Fraternal Program.  He continued to be a Field Trip winner in his capacity as State Manager.  Jason also served as President/CEO of the Central Georgia Woodmen of the World Fraternal Program, Inc.; and he was also an active member of Local Chapter 6023 in Macon. In his spare time Jason enjoyed shopping and restoring antiques and old cars.  Jason was a very talented musician who could sing and play many instruments and was also a member of the Blue Grass, Gospel and Country Music Band “Dixon Crossing”.  He was a member of Springhead Methodist Church.   Survivors include: Parents: Foster “Bo” and Francine Sutton Fender of Pearson, Ga.   Wife: Judy Bennett Fender of Willacoochee, Ga.   2 Sons: Foster Bryan Fender and wife Brandi of Willacoochee, Ga.             Justin Marcus Fender and wife Allyson of Douglas, Ga.   Daughter: Melissa Allison McKinnon and husband Barton of Newton Grove, N.C   Step-son: Jacob Brown of Willacoochee, Ga.   Sister: Michele Fender of Pearson, Ga.   5 Grandchildren: Jaycee Fender, Jaylee Fender, Reese Fender, Foster Fender, and Adalyn Mckinnon.   Several Nieces, Nephews, and other relatives also survive.    Graveside services for Mr. Fender were held Wednesday, August 10, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. at the Fender Family Cemetery with Rev. Michael Harper, Rev. William Pope, Rev. Allen Arowood and Rev. Robert Sorrow officiating. The Eulogy was given by Larry King, President of Woodmen Life.  Special musical selections were “Blessed Assurance” by the attending congregation with Berrien Sutton leading, and “Dixon Crossing” and Lisa Sutton accompanying.  “On Heaven’s Bright Side”, “Wish You Were Here”, “When I Get Where I’m Going” and “Amazing Grace” were rendered by “Dixon Crossing” and Lisa Sutton. The interment followed in the Fender Family Cemetery.   Serving as active pallbearers were: Frank Lee Sutton, Jr., John Sheffield, Jerome Crosby, Derrell Wayne “Dee” Youngblood, Berry Sutton, Leroy Reliford, and Francisco Castillo. Honorary pallbearers were: Woodmen Life Employees   Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.