Born in Cherokee County, he was the husband of Alice Moss Lavender and the son of the late Thomas Albert Lavender and Sadie Bridges Lavender. Mr. Lavender was retired from Cherokee Finishing and a member of Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church where he served as a Sunday School teacher and deacon. He also was a lifetime Mason with the Granard Lodge 186 and a United States Army veteran.

Surviving in addition to his wife are three sons, Dave Lavender of Columbus, Eric Lavender of Isle of Palms, S.C., and Tony Lavender of Gaffney; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mr. Lavender was preceded in death by two brothers, Billy Lavender and Jack Lavender and five sisters, Texana Miller, Ruth Smith, Eloise Lavender, Clara Lavender and Annie Parker.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 15, 2008 at Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church with Dr. Clyde Thomas and Rev. Stuart Kersey officiating. Interment will be in the Frederick Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cherokee Avenue Baptist Church, 805 Cherokee Avenue, Gaffney, S.C. 29340 or Meals on Wheels, PO Box 1886, Gaffney, S.C. 29342.

The family will be at the residence.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com.

Blakely Funeral Home of Gaffney is in charge of arrangements.