Charles Thomas "Baby Charles" Pender

Charles Thomas “Baby Charles” Pender Sr.

August 21,1955 - July 12, 2024

Charles Thomas (Baby Charles) Pender Sr was born August 21,1955 in Louisiana to Dr. Joseph Aaron and Betty Ann Pender, who thought their son hung the moon. In his mama’s eyes, he did no wrong. His father was a well renowned dentist, and his grandfather was a medical doctor, both practicing in Kosciusko until their deaths. He lost his daddy at the age of 9, but that didn’t hinder him from growing up to be the best daddy and Big Grandad in the entire world. He moved to McCool, MS in 1983 where he resided until his death. He was a member of Bear Creek Baptist Church. He left his earthly home and met his Savior, Jesus Christ, surrounded by his faithful wife, children, and grandchildren at Baptist Memorial Hospital Golden Triangle in Columbus, MS on July 12, 2024, at 2:42 pm. Our daddy was 68 years old.

One thing is for certain. Anyone that knew Charles loved him. He loved his family with all of his heart, especially his grandkids and great grandkids. He would have given his life for any one of them with no hesitation. He ALWAYS showed up for his family no matter what and would get mad at us if we forgot to tell him about a school function or a birthday party involving one of those grands or great grands. He was one of the most eminent mason bricklayers Attala County ever had until he retired, but we remember him as being the best daddy and the most fun Big Grandad in the whole universe.

He is survived by his loving wife, Penny Pender, sister, Anne Pinkerton, sons Tommy (Evelyn) Pender, Jeremy (Myranda) Pender, and Josh Dickerson; daughters Jessica Buckley, Misty Clark, Lisa Hunt, Stephanie (Jay) Dickerson, Abigail (Isaiah) Sanders and Kelly Steen. Grandchildren include Madison (Cole) Ellington, Carlye (Cam) Campbell, Ava, Kyston, Tripp, and Ella Pender; Ashlyn and Autumn Pender; Bella Bruce, Brooke and Bree Buckley, Mary Bynum; Claire Craft; Joseph (Courtney), Josh (Shelby) and Jeffrey (Naomi) Hunt; Ali Cantrel; Alana and Christian Steen. Great grandchildren include Blakelyn, Declan, and Wrenley Campbell, Rowan Ellington, Owen Blailock, Easton, Miley, Bailey, Nora Lynn, and Waylon Hunt, a host of cousins, including Sam Shields and numerous nieces and nephews. He is also survived by the mother of his boys, Diane Yates, with whom he shared a one of a kind friendship with. Special friends include James Kelly Williams, David Lambert, Larry Pearson, Mike Steele, Ty Steele, Hayward and Pearl Dotson, Shelby Dotson, Percy Kimbrough, The Chamblee family, The Kelley family, and Rusty and Jay Gilbert.

He was preceded in death by his former wife, Mary Ellen Pender, whom passed November 2014, parents Dr. Joseph Aaron and Betty Ann Pender, grandparents Dr. Charles Addison and Katie Weeks Pender, and Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas King.

We will have a memorial service on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 2 pm at Bear Creek Baptist Church in Mc Cool.

He gave 10% of his check each month to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital because he was passionate about helping children. We ask that in lieu of flowers, please consider donating to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital www.stjude.org