Matthew Albert Bender, age 52, and a resident of Decatur, passed away Tuesday, November 12, 2024 at  Ochsner Rush Medical Center in Meridian.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 15, 2024 from 1:00 pm until 1:45 pm at Newton County Funeral Home - North in 9998 Hwy. 15 North, Newton, with funeral services following the funeral home chapel at 2:00 pm.

Burial will follow in Newton County Memorial Gardens.

Bro. Scott Engle will officiate.

Matthew was born Saturday, March 4, 1972 in Newton, to his parents, Albert Bender and Nancy Allgood Brock. He was a graduate of Decatur High School, and a former employee of La-Z-Boy South. He was a passionate Florida State football fan, and of NASCAR racing as well. Gathering with his friends was a favorite past time. He loved the Lord, his family and friends very much.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Bender, Jr. ;  maternal grandparents, Marshall and Gladys Allgood and paternal grandparents,  Buster and Ellen Dean.

Survivors include his daughter, Casey Bender of Gulfport;  mother, Nancy Allgood Brock of Decatur;  three sisters, his twin sister, Melissa Bayles (Scott) of Brandon, Marcy  Mills of Chunky and Kim Amis (Allen) of Decatur;  several nieces and nephews;  several aunts, uncles, and cousins;  special friends, Bill and CC Buntyn and Paul and Tamela Busby and his best friend, Marshall Allgood.

Pallbearers will be Corey Amis, Hayden Amis, Kyle Bayles, Marshall Allgood, Bill Buntyn, and Paul Busby.

Honorary pallbearers will be Tyler Feldman, Josh Graham, Danny Edwards, Kris Amis and Colton Amis.

Newton County Funeral Home - North is in charge of arrangements. 601-635-3200.

An online guestbook may be signed at www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com