Cochran – Emmett O. "Junebug" Bender, age 85, passed away Friday, December 16, 2022, in the Atrium Health Navicent Medical Center in Macon. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 2:00 P.M. in Limestone Baptist Church. Burial will be in Limestone Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Emmett, a lifelong resident of Cochran was born in Columbus and raised in the Salem Community and was the grandson of the late Richard Union "Cap Unie" and Johnnie Dolores Mullis Smith. He was the son of the late Buster and Fannie Smith Bender and was preceded in death by his daughter, Colleen Bender Foskey. He was a former insurance agent, former truck driver and a US Air Force Veteran. Mr. Emmett had recently moved to At Home Senior Living where he made many friends. He attended Limestone Baptist Church and Salem Baptist Church.

Survivors are his children, Sherry (Mike) Eaton of Warner Robins, Phillip Bender, Sr. and Loran Bender both of Cochran; the mother of his children, Shirley Belfower Bender of Cochran; eight grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the donor's church or charity of choice.

The family is at 125 GA Highway 257, Cochran and will greet friends one hour before the service Tuesday at Limestone Baptist Church.