Brother Ron McIntyre Fender, formerly of Asheville, North Carolina, died on January 29, 2016.
“The Monk”, as he was affectionately called by many, was born in Asheville on Oct. 1, 1954, to Bernie Fender and Exie McIntyre Fender Boyd and is survived by his sister, Joyce Osteen, Brother Conley Fender, seven nephews and four nieces.
Brother Ron was a graduate of East Henderson High School and Western Carolina University. He went on to a long and successful career in theatre becoming well known and loved in the theater community, traveling the world in his work as actor, director, stage manager, company manager and artistic director. He was also a gifted storyteller and loved to share the lore of his native Appalachian region.
Brother Ron dedicated his life to serving the lost, forgotten and broken souls of our world; he impacted all who came into his wide net and was a true friend to anyone in need.
In 2002, Brother Ron traveled to Chattanooga, carrying only a bucket and a suitcase, to fulfill his calling of washing the feet of the homeless. For more than 10 years, he served as an outreach case manager with the Chattanooga Community Kitchen, where his foot care ministry grew to serve thousands each year. During his tenure, he also developed permanent supportive housing, focused on end of life care, was a tireless advocate and was simply unconditionally present for anyone in need.
A vowed member of the Brotherhood of Saint Gregory since 2006 (a contemporary religious community within the Episcopal Church), Brother Ron made life profession of vows in 2011 and lived into his vocation as Gregorian friar through his work among the homeless. He spent the last week of his life on retreat with his beloved Brothers in New York.
Truly a “Saint of Chattanooga,” Brother Ron was a beloved parishioner at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chattanooga where he served as a lay reader and volunteer. He was a frequent speaker before community organizations and guest preacher in local Churches, always sharing his love of Christ and his firm belief in showing that love through service.
Brother Ron’s joyful, humble and generous spirit touched the lives of people from all walks of life and inspired many others to engage in similar works of mercy. His impact on those most vulnerable will live on forever.
A memorial service will be observed at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Chattanooga, on Saturday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m.
Memorial contributions can be made in his honor to Chattanooga Community Kitchen at P.O. Box 11203, Chattanooga, Tn. 37401.