"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain." (Philippians 1:21, NIV)

Joseph Stephen Bendek has heard the words, "Well done thy good and faithful servant". His Heavenly Father has called him home on March 26, 2013. Joseph, a devoted disciple to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, now sits beside His father for all blessed eternity.

Second to his love for Christ, Joseph was dedicated to his earthly loved ones. He adored and loved his wife Mary and his family as much as a human could possibly love. Joseph and Mary were faithful members of Second Baptist Church, where Joseph taught Sunday school and was a member of the choir. Reading Scripture and singing God's word was always a comfort to Joseph and he used his love for Christ to spread the Gospel to countless individuals.

Joseph was a constant source of encouragement to others; whether through his service as lay speaker for The Gideon's International, as president and chaplain of the Christian Motorcycle Association, or simply through thoughts and prayers he shared with others in their time of need. Joseph never missed an opportunity to express his love to his family, frequently writing letters which included his favorite Bible scriptures.

Joseph was born April 25, 1944 in Griffin, Georgia where he attended Griffin High School. He then attended Gordon College, in Barnesville, Georgia where he received an athletic scholarship to play football. Joseph enjoyed being active; he practiced karate where he received a black belt, he enjoyed riding his motorcycle "The Marney", and was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Montes Thomas Bendek; his daughter, Jackie Moye, son-in-law, Paul Moye, grandchildren Matthew and Olivia Moye; daughter, Christie Samojedny, son-in-law, Mark Samojedny; daughter, Hope Bendek Weaver, son-in-law Jonathan Weaver, grandchildren Noah and Ella Grace Weaver; son, Joseph Bryan Bendek, daughter-in-law, Tiffany Bendek, grandchildren Hanah, Landon, and Ayden Bendek; parents Billy and Evelyn Blackmon; sister, Candace L. Blackmon; brother, Kirk Blackmon, sister-in-law, Daye Blackmon and sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Thomas Miller, Karin Thomas Lamar, Kathryn Thomas Keadle, Helen Thomas Blakely.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us." (Hebrews 12:1, NLT)

In lieu of flowers, contributions to Second Baptist Cedartown Building Fund, 152 Evergreen Lane, Cedartown, Georgia 30125, would be greatly appreciated.

The funeral arrangements for Mr. Joseph Stephen Bendek will be conducted on Friday, March 29, 2013 at eleven o'clock in the morning at Second Baptist Church in Cedartown with Rev. Patrick Latham, Rev. Jim Stallings, Mr. Joseph Bryan Bendek and Mr. Kirk Blackmon officiating. Interment will be in the Oak Hill Cemetery, 797 Memorial Drive, Griffin, GA 30223.

The family of Mr. Bendek will receive family and friends on Thursday, March 28, 2013 from five o'clock in the evening until eight o'clock in the evening at Second Baptist Church.

The following gentlemen will serve as pallbearers; Paul Moye, Jonathan Weaver, Mark Samojedny, Zack Stegall, Matthew Moye, Kirk Blackmon, Bob Aring and Gary Zimmerman. Honorary pallbearer will be Bryan Bendek.

Messages of condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting our website and signing the online guestbook at gammagefh.com.

The Olin L. Gammage and Sons Funeral Home is handling the arrangements for Mr. Joseph Stephen Bendek.