Christopher Alan Bender

Christopher Alan "Chris" Bender, 39, of Garner, NC, passed away Tuesday, January 17, 2023. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, he had lived in Garner for a couple of years working for Citrix as an Engineer. Chris grew up in Fernandina Beach, FL, graduating from Fernandina Beach High School Class of 2001. He also graduated from the University of Central Florida. He loved to cook and was a huge Tampa Bay Lightning fan. Chris is survived by his parents, Alan & Janet Bender, Eustis, FL; sister, Julie (Joshua) Douglas, Eustis, FL; 2 nephews, Titus Douglas, Judah Douglas; 2 cousins, Alex (Joanie) Vurnakes, Jeff (Darlene) Vurnakes. Services will be held at Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis on Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 12:00 Noon. Interment will follow at Lakeside Memory Gardens, Eustis. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 11:00 AM till 12:00 Noon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lake County Sheriff's Office Animal Shelter. Online Guestbook available at www.hardenpauli.com Arrangements by Harden/Pauli Funeral Home, Eustis.