It is with deep sadness that we announce that our Past Commander and long-standing member Luther "Luke" Pender, age 68, of Pittsboro, died Friday, December 30, 2016 at UNC Hospitals. Luke served our country in the United States Army serving in Vietnam. He was a member of Hanks Chapel UCC where he was a former deacon.

Luke was born in Nash County on May 2, 1948 to the late Jennings Bryant Pender and Helen Horton Haithcock. He was also preceded in death by step-father Bud Haithcock.

Surviving relatives include his wife Wanda Jones Pender, two daughters Michelle Wilkie and husband Jeff of Holly Springs, Ashley Bogan and husband Terry of Pittsboro, son Douglas Pender of Durham, brothers Ed Haithcock of Chapel Hill, Clay Haithcock of Chapel Hill, sister, April Pender of Florida, five grandchildren Jason Wilkie, Aaron Wilkie, Eli Wilkie, Sara Weaver, and Noah Bogan.

The family will receive friends Sunday, January 1, 2017 from 6PM to 8PM at Donaldson Funeral Home & Cremation (396 West Street, Pittsboro). A Memorial Service will be held Monday, January 2, 2017 at 11AM at Hanks Chapel United Church of Christ (125 Hanks Loop Road, Pittsboro) with Military Rites and Rev. Bob Wachs presiding and Rev. Charlene Guider.  

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Joe Wagner VFW Post 7313, P.O. Box 1775, Pittsboro, NC 27312.