Jeffery Wayne Fender

1964 - 2025

Jeffery Wayne Fender

August 14, 1964 - January 13, 2025

"For we walk by faith and not sight."

2 Corinthians 5:7

Jeffery Wayne Fender went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 13th, 2025. He mightily fought a two-year battle with pancreatic cancer with the same grace, dignity and faith that he led his life with. Jeff was at peace during his final days as he knew without a doubt that his body would be healed, and he was going to a paradise we can only imagine.

Jeff was born in Richmond, VA, a city he loved and built his life in. He graduated from Tucker High School; The University of Virginia with a degree in accounting; and Virginia Commonwealth University with a masters of Taxation. He was fiercely loyal and dedicated to his work and built a career in corporate America where he not only excelled but used his talents and gifts to help many along the way. His career at large corporations such as Circuit City, Capital One, and most recently Performance Food Group, gave him great joy as well as a platform to work with local nonprofits such as Shalom Farms, The Caring Closet, and United Methodist Family Services. A long-time and valued member of the PFG family. Jeff began his journey there more than 22 years ago as Corporate Treasurer and was quickly promoted to VP, Treasurer. Years later he transitioned to VP, Finance, for Performance Foodservice and most recently became Senior Vice President, Treasurer in June 2022. While his professional accomplishments were significant, what truly stood out about Jeff was his calm demeanor, sharp intellect, sense of humor, and unwavering willingness to help others. His work was always exceptional, but more importantly, he was a wonderful person who everyone enjoyed being around.

In the words of George Holm, Chairman and CEO of PFG:

"Jeff was not only a brilliant leader in our organization but also a kind-hearted and thoughtful individual. His willingness to help others and his calm approach made him someone we could all rely on. He was an important member of the PFG family, and his memory will remain for years to come."

In addition to his work, Jeff's faith was a primary focus in his life, and he helped build his immediate family values around a strong faith foundation. He was a member of Shady Grove Methodist Church for almost 20 years and more recently of Hope Church RVA. He not only volunteered his time in various positions and leadership roles but participated in many biblical related classes over the years and even sang in the choir a few times!

Next to his work and faith, Jeff was an amazing husband, father and friend. In the last few days of his life, as friends shared lifelong memories it was apparent how fully Jeff lived his life and made his family and friends a priority. A few of those memories included fishing, having a favorite glass of bourbon, UVA games (go Wahoos!), traveling, watching football on the back porch, beach trips, and in the words of Sam "eating really good food." We will definitely raise a glass in his honor to celebrate the wonderful person he was and the memories we created with him.

Jeff is survived by his wife, Sara (Epley) of almost 33 years; and his 18-year-old son, Donald Samuel Jefferson (Sam); his parents, Don and Jean Fender; brothers, Greg (Kimberly) and Russ (Robin); sister and brother-in-law, Amy and Mark Carroll; in-laws, Sue and Don Epley; seven nieces and nephews; and many cousins.

In following the tradition of how Jeff and Sara lived their lives, donations requests have been selected to be given to an organization where monies will be given to help people live out their final days in a more humanistic, dignified way. …… national organization that will be starting a local chapter. ENTER INFO HERE

A memorial service will be held, 1 p.m., Friday, February 21st, with reception to follow. Hope Church address, 12445 Patterson Ave. - Richmond, VA 23238

Bliley's is handling private arrangements.