Charles Lee Pender

Charles Lee Pender was born on October 28, 1948 in Blackshear, Ga to the late David Earl Pender and Doris Lee McClendon Pender. Charles attended and graduated from Lee Street High School in 1966 in Blackshear, GA. During his time there, he proudly served as vice president of his senior class, played the snare drum, and held the role of business manager in the school's marching band. From an early age, Charles was rooted in faith and joined Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where he faithfully served as a junior usher under the leadership of Reverend Wright. In 2020, he continued his spiritual journey by participating in virtual services with Jerusalem Holiness Church, HOGSIC, in Folkston, GA.

On September 14, 1966, Charles proudly took the oath at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and completed his transformation at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, joining the ranks of the Few and the Proud. During his military service, Charles honorably completed two tours in the Vietnam War. Following his service to his country, he continued a life of public service as a Washington, DC Metropolitan Police Officer. He also faithfully served as a Narcotics Officer in the 5th District and later as a Detective before retiring.

Charles was a very private man who had a great heart and profound joy in life's simple moments. He would give from a heart full of love to make sure you had more than enough. He loved talking on the phone with his closest family members and spending time with family and friends from far and near, playing poker, driving his power chair from his house, crossing Pennsylvania Avenue to play slot machines. He also loved watching the Washington Commanders football games and reading the Scriptures. One of his favorite sayings was, "I will take it one day at a time," a reminder of the strength and perseverance he carried with him, because he never gave up.

Charles passed away peacefully on January 17, 2026 at the Veterans Hospice Community Living Center in Washington, DC. Charles was preceded in death by his Parents: mother, Doris Lee McClendon Pender, father, David Earl Pender, his son, Eric D' Sean Pender, three brothers. Harvey and Zachery Pender and Levie La'Ray McClendon, two sisters, Patrice Williams and Elaine Gross.

He leaves to cherish his memories, one sister, Brenda (David) Williams of Folkston, Ga, his brother, David (Brenda) Pender of Folkston, GA; one grandson, Sergio Pender of Atlanta, GA; great grandchildren, Se'niya Pender, Laquan Barner, Kaysean Pender and Sky Waltman; one sister in law; Ella Mae (Bishop AJ) Myles of Blackshear, Ga; one aunt, Armeanus McClendon; special nephews, Bishop Derrick (Patrice) McClendon of Atlanta, Ga., Sandi Pender of Blackshear, Ga, Elder Terrance Pender, David (Starion) Pender, David Pender, III; special cousins, Wymener Robinson, Janice Herring, Billy Nesmith, and Carolyn Leggett; special devoted friends, Shelvy J. Hunt of District Heights, MD, Jonda and Harry Morton, Juan Hunt, Tylona Smith, Jaelyn Morton, Trinity Page, Jasmine Hunt, Zion, Sovereign and Eminence Walker of all Maryland; special friends, Rosa Lee West Siplin, Edward Truesdale Jr, Gloria Burell and Albert Parker; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, classmates, co-workers, battle buddies, and friends. Charles legacy of love, resilience, Love and Unity in his family will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026 @11:00 AM at Zion Missionary Baptist Church,522 Lee Street, Blackshear, GA 31516.

Please note: There will not be a wake. Charles will lie in state two (2) hours prior to the service.

Interment in Shiloh Cemetery, Blackshear, Georgia. Military rites will be rendered.

Repass will be held Immediately following the interment at Zion Missionary Baptist Church.