Robert Russell Pender

1926 - 2025

Robert Russell Pender

June 9, 1926 - August 27, 2025

Robert Russell Pender, 99 years old, passed away peacefully in his home in Panama City, FL Wednesday, August 27th, 2025. Robert was born on June 9, 1926, to Elmetta and William Bryant Pender in Greenwood, Florida. Robert is survived by his loving wife of over 40 years, June Colley Pender. He had 5 children, 3 daughters, Rachel Pender Gatlin of Daphne, AL, Evelyn Anne Odneal of Tallahassee, FL; and the deceased Mary Derek of Greenwood, FL. He had 2 sons, John Pender of Atlanta, GA and Bob Pender of Marianna, FL. Robert also had 3 step-children, Stephen T. Holman of Pensacola, FL, Paul C. Holman of Panama City, FL and Jan Womick of Rockvale, TN.

He graduated from the Tennessee Military Institute in Southwestern Tennessee. Following his education, he proudly served in the United States Navy, where he was assigned to an aircraft carrier.

After retiring from the Navy, Robert returned home and enrolled at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia. While at Mercer, he played on the university's basketball team, where he was known as an excellent and dedicated player. He was also a proud member of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity.

Robert was deeply committed to his community and served as the Mayor of Greenwood for 16 years, demonstrating strong leadership and a passion for public service. He also contributed to local healthcare through his 12-year tenure on the board of the Jackson County Hospital, including 8 years as chairman.

In addition to his public service, Robert was an outstanding and innovative farmer. He managed 1,600 acres of farmland, producing cotton, peanuts, wheat, and soybeans. He was the first person to plant cotton in Jackson County, pioneering what has become the region's most important agricultural product.

In addition to his farming success, Robert owned and operated the Pender Peanut Corporation, a major peanut processing plant in Greenwood. Under his leadership, the plant grew into one of the largest peanut operations in the Southeast, handling and shipping over 50,000 tons of peanuts annually. His company supplied peanuts to major national brands, including the Hershey Food Corporation, the Reese Buttercup Corporation, and the makers of Peter Pan peanut butter in Chicago, Illinois. After years of remarkable growth, Robert sold the plant to the Dothan Oil Mill Company.

After retiring from the peanut industry, Robert made his home in Seagrove Beach, Florida, where he enjoyed a quieter pace of life-but he never stopped building. During his retirement, he remained active by designing, building, and selling six new homes in the Black Creek Subdivision, continuing to contribute his vision and work ethic to his community.

One of Robert's greatest joys in life was being one of the founders of Seagrove Baptist Church, which began humbly in the Pender's garage. Through dedication and faith, the church grew into a thriving congregation and now occupies a building on scenic Highway 30-A which can seat over 500 people. His role in nurturing this church community stands as a lasting testament to his faith, generosity, and leadership.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in his memory to Seagrove Baptist Church.