John Allen "Shot" Fender, Jr., 73, of Walnut Ridge passed from this life on Monday, May 8, 2023, at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro surrounded by his family. He was born May 20, 1949, in Walnut Ridge to the late John Allen Fender, Sr. and Bonnie Massey Fender. He was united in marriage to Melody Lloyd Fender on March 31, 2000, in Eureka Springs. John completed his Bachelor's in Agricultural Engineering from Arkansas State University and was a member of Sigma Phi Epsilon. He was a self-employed farmer and commodity broker, and horse trader during his life, and was a member of First Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge. John was a self-made cowboy, and his grandchildren filled his heart with joy.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Greg Fender.

He is survived by his wife, Mel of the home; son, Kai Rorex (Amy) of Walnut Ridge; sisters, Diana "Dink" (Terry) Morgan of Jonesboro and Bonita Hoss of Walnut Ridge; grandchildren, Blaine, K.J., and Finn.

Visitation will be Friday, May 12, 2023, from 10 a.m. until 12 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Walnut Ridge. Funeral will follow immediately at 12 p.m. with Jake Guenrich officiating. Interment will follow in Lawrence Memorial Park in Walnut Ridge under the direction of Cox Funeral Home in Walnut Ridge.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Joey Massey, Del Massey, Wendel Tolson, Gary Hilburn, Bobby Malone, Terry Smith, and Raney Nutt.

Honorary pallbearers are Terry Milsap, Jack Ward, Warren Fender, Brian Alexander, and Walnut Ridge class of 1967.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church youth building fund, P.O. Box 547, Walnut Ridge, AR 72476.