Clarence Ellis Bender, a resident of Mobile, passed away Wednesday, June 17, 2009. He was born July 15, 1935 in Braggs. He is preceded in death by his parents, Addie Lee and Lucy Strickland Bender; a daughter, Shelby Bender Cottrell and a sister, Elizabeth Parsons and is survived by his wife of 52 years, Joann Dixon Bender; daughter, Peggy Bender Rush (Derric) of Hoover; son, Steven Ellis Bender (Traci) of Semmes; six grandchildren; chosen son, Steve Wright (Janna) ; special friends Robert Clifton and his family; Edward Bender of Shertz, Texas, Doyle Bender, Roy Bender, and Mary Francis Quates, all of Greenville. Visitation was held Friday, June 19, 2009 at Serenity Funeral Home. Funeral services were held on Saturday, June 20, 2009 from Providence Church of God.