Conley Wayne Fender, 82, of Unicoi, passed away Thursday, September 15, 2016, at Holston Valley Medical Center.
Mr. Fender was a native of Burnsville, N.C., and the son of the late Clayton and Cindy Atkins-Hutchins.
Conley was a helpful and hardworking man. After graduating high school, he joined the United States Army where he served in the Korean war. Upon returning home from the military he developed a passion for electronics. He was the owner of R&M Electronics Radio Shack for over 20 years. He was a wonderful loving husband and father who was kind and strived to please others. He was a longtime member of Marbleton Free Will Baptist Church where he served as Trustee for many years.
Conley enjoyed many hobbies such as restoring old cars, hunting, fishing, football, and associating with church friends and family.
Mr. Fender was preceded in death by his brother, J.B Fender, and sister, Hattie Fender-Edwards.
Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Shirley Phillips-Fender; daughter, Katherine L. Miller; brother, Billy Rex Fender and wife Thelma of Tusculum, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.
The family received friends and family to share memories on Sunday, September 18, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Sunrise Chapel of Tetrick Funeral and Cremation Services, Johnson City. A Celebration of Life Service followed at 6 p.m. with Rev. Kenneth Grindstaff, Rev. Tim Broyles and Rev. Sam Ferguson officiating. A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 19, at 2:30 p.m. at Roselawn Memory Gardens. Attendees are asked to gather at the funeral home by 1:45 p.m. to follow in procession. Active pallbearers will be Kenneth Phillips, John Phillips, David Phillips, Gary Fender, Mark Phillips and Johnathan Booth. Honorary pallbearers are Mike Woodby, Wayne Tipton, Michael Phillips, Dennis Edwards, Danny Edwards, Harold Block, James Laughren and Albert Fender. The family would like to express a special thanks to Brittany Simmons, niece and caretaker, and to the second floor nurses of the Cardiac Unit of Holston Valley Medical Center for the loving care given to Mr. Fender. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Marbleton Free Will Baptist Church, 1703 Marbleton Road, Unicoi, TN or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN. Memories and condolences may be viewed and shared online at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral and Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, (423) 610-7171, is serving the Fender family.