William Raymond Bender, M.D., who found his greatest pleasures with his family and on the golf course, died peacefully at home on August 27, 2021. He was 81.

Dr. Bender practiced radiology for 35 years, with over 25 years at Pensacola Radiology Associates. He graduated from Duke University School of Medicine in 1965. After completing medical training at Grady Hospital in Atlanta and at Duke Hospital in Durham, NC, he moved to Pensacola in 1971.

Known as Bill, he had a brilliant mind, quick wit, a genuine smile, and resolute dedication to his profession and other life pursuits. He was a caring friend to many and never short of a good joke.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Virginia "Ginger" Dominick Bender, and their three children, Robert Bender (Amy) and their children, Harrison and Elizabeth, of Pensacola; Betsey Preston (Ryan) and their children, Virginia and Margaret, of Southlake, TX; and Meg Bender of Atlanta. He is also survived by his two sons, William Bender, Jr. (Juliet) and their son, Noah, of Reston, VA, and Christopher Bender (Heather) and their children, Hannah and Caleb of Orlando. He is survived by his sister, Martha Jollie (James) of Columbia, SC. Lastly, Bill is survived by longtime family friend, Helen Smith of Pensacola.

Bill was born on January 17, 1940, in Fayetteville, NC, to Dr. John and Martha Bender, and spent his childhood in Red Springs, NC. He graduated from Bullis School in Potomac, MD, in 1957, and the University of Notre Dame in 1961.

After medical school and during the Vietnam War, Bill joined the U.S. Air Force. He spent most of his military tour at Clark Air Base in the Philippines.

He remained an avid Notre Dame football fan throughout his life. He instilled his Fighting Irish loyalty in his family, however, despite his relentless efforts, failed to convert his many non-Domer friends.

Fiercely competitive, he won countless rounds of golf against family and friends on his home course of Pensacola Country Club. His best score was a 66. He served as president of Pensacola Country Club as well as president of the Pensacola Sports Association and the Order of Tristan social club.

Later in life, he enjoyed going to the Country Club to eat lunch and see friends and staff members daily. His friend and caregiver, Melvin Bargaineer, helped him stay active and independent during the last seven months of his life.

A gathering and celebration of his life will be held 4:00pm, Sunday, September 12, 2021, on the fairway of the 18th hole at Pensacola Country Club. A reception will follow. True to Bill's style, please wear golf casual or your favorite cashmere sweater.

Memorial donations may be made to the following: First Tee Gulf Coast, 3924 W. Navy Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32507, or online at firstteegulfcoast.org; or the University of Notre Dame, Department of Development, 1100 Grace Hall, Notre Dame, IN 46556, or online at giving.nd.edu. For online donations at Notre Dame, please designate to Sorin Society. Donations may also be made to a charity of your choice.