We are gathered here today in memory of my brother Daniel Joseph Pender, so that together we may acknowledge and share both our joy and the gift that his life was to us, and the pain his passing brings. In sharing the joy and the pain together today, may we lessen the pain and remember more clearly the joy.

Daniel was just 24 years old when he passed away. He was born September 26, 1992 as he was getting ready to celebrate another year of life. Daniel worked as a district manager at Bojangles for 3 years. Daniel has always been a hard working person. He was a person of many accomplishments. He was the perfect example of obedience.

Many people saw Daniel as this quiet and serious person, but in reality he had a big personality filled with love and care. Daniel was a very giving person, who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it. He always cared for his family and would do anything for them. He always lived his life to the fullest and seized every moment. He will be remembered as a wonderful brother, a great friend, adored son, generous uncle, cousin and great leader. Even though he was young he was a great role model for the people that were surrounded by him daily and was very humbled by it. He never felt like he was better than anyone, but instead pushed friends and family to work hard for the things that they wanted in life.

Daniel will live on in our memories and stories, and in what all of us have become because of him. So I encourage you to share-today, tomorrow, and in the years to come-your memories and stories, and to share the pain of your loss as well. In this way we will keep the gift of Daniel life alive. On behalf of the rest of the family, I'd like to thank you all for coming here today.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Monday, September 25, 2017 at the Goldie Hargett Memorial Chapel, 905 E. Market Street. Visitation with the family begins at 11:30 am followed by the service at 12:00 pm. Interment will follow at Maplewood Cemetery.