Thomas Wills Bender, 84, of Cashiers, NC, passed away Wednesday, August 24, 2016. Born in Baltimore, MD, Thomas "Tom" was the son of the late Gammage L. Bender and Nettie Gaylord Bender. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Michael Meadows and one brother, Thomas Gammage Bender Jr. Tom served the US Navy as an electrician before being medically discharged. Tom graduated from the University of Florida in 1958 with a degree in business administration and was a huge Gator fan. Tom was an exceptional businessman, working in claims and risk management with numerous insurance companies throughout Central Florida, and finally as CEO for AGC Insurance Company. Tom enjoyed the outdoors especially camping and fishing. He was an avid reader and enjoyed listening to classical music. Tom was a member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, Cashiers, NC. Tom passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends. Tom is survived by his wife of 38 years, Patricia Morgan Bender; two sons, Thomas “Ben” Gammage Bender and Paul Richard Bender both of Orlando, FL; one daughter, Leigh Meadows of Tallahassee, FL; nine grandchildren, Christopher Edward Aydt, Caitlin Jo Aydt, Thomas Allen Bender, Tristen Kane Bender, Kyler Ross Bender, Wade Austin Bender, Martin Alan Meadows, Anika Harbers and Larissa Bender and two great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, 1448 Hwy 107, Cashiers, NC, on Saturday, August 27, at 10 am. Memorial donations may be made to Church of the Good Shepherd, Wounded Warriors or the ASPCA. Online condolences can be made at maconfuneralhome.com