Sherod Lamar Fender, 84, of Ray City, died on June 28, 2021, after a lengthy illness. Born in Ray City, GA., on April 5, 1937, he was the son of the late J.B. Fender and Erma Ray Fender. Mr. Fender served in the U.S. Air Force as a medic and retired after 20 years of service, returning to his birth home his father built. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War, and a member of the National Rifle Association. Also retired after 20 years as a machinist from South Ga Dye Machine Shop. Mr. Fender was of Baptist faith and a member of A'Neway Baptist Church.

Survivors are his daughter Deborah J. (John) Mason of Valdosta; sons, Glenn Elkins and Ronnie Elkins, both of Valdosta; 7  grandchildren, Christina (Brian) Herndon of Hahira, Jeff (Karen) Bailey of Thomasville, David (Candice) Fennell of Athens, Genevieve Mason of Valdosta, John Mason Jr. of Valdosta, Elizabeth Elkins of Valdosta, Nicole Torrey of Jefferson; 7 great-grandchildren, Haiden Hall of Thomasville, Hailey Herndon of Hahira, Michael Herndon of Hahira, Brailyn Bailey of Thomasville, John Mason III of Valdosta, Lexie Torrey of Jefferson, Lily Torrey of Jefferson.

Mr. Fender was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years: Betty Stone Fender who died in 2009, and his second wife of 11 years: Mattie Brown Fender who died in 2020, sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette F. (Charles) DeCourcy of Ray City Ga.

Services will be held in the Chapel of the Lovein Funeral Home on July 1, 2021 at 12 noon with Rev. Mike Bennett officiating. Interment will follow at Nashville Memorial Gardens with full military honors. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Condolences may be conveyed online at www.Loveinfuneralhome.com . Lovein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.