Joseph “Okie Dokie” Anthony Bender, 81, of Mooresville, N.C., passed away on September 7, 2022. He was born on June 13, 1941, in Taylor, Pa., to the late Joseph and Martha Witkowski Bender.

Joseph was raised in Duryea, Pa. He owned his own business, Joe Bender’s Garage in Duryea, Pa., for several years. In 2005, Joe and his wife moved to Mooresville to pursue a career in NASCAR. He spent over 30 years as a mechanic and a motor coach driver in the racing field. He and his wife were fortunate to be able to travel and see much of the country due to his career in NASCAR.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Bender; sons, Joseph Bender (Lisa) and Jim Bender (Donna); and four grandsons.

A Memorial Mass will held on Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2022, at 11 a.m. at St. Therese Catholic Church with Father Mark Lawlor officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice and Palliative care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28677.

Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Bender family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.