Ollie Eury Cavender passed away at home on Wednesday, July 15,2026. He was born in Columbus Georgia to Judson Jano and Ollie Mae Cavender on March 7., 1939. Soon after his birth the family moved to Jacksonville, Fl., causing Ollie to consider himself to be a native Floridian. Though his name was Ollie, family members began calling him Buddy, the name that family and close friends called him for the remainder of his life.

In 1958 he graduated from Lee High School, married, and joined the army. He spent two years of military service living in the Panama Canal Zone where his oldest son Charles was born. When he returned to Jacksonville, he was hired by Winn Dixie. He became a manager, frequently being sent to stores that had issues and needed someone who was good at solving problems.

He utilized monies provided by the GI Bill to earn his B.S. degree from FSU and began a career in teaching Graphic Arts first at Ed White High School and then at Andrew Jackson. He loved teaching and especially enjoyed the extra curricular activities that he and co-workers Jim and Donna Albertson sponsored. Activities such as the Summer Musicals that they directed for all Duval County Students. His knowledge of electronics, and love of music and theater led to work with any shows coming to the Civic Auditorium and most bands coming to the city. Buddy enjoyed all music but especially loved classical and the Jacksonville Symphony.

Teaching allowed time during the summer for Ollie and his family to travel. They purchased an RV and traveled from one side of the country to the other, a trip that his sons remember well. Another love was boating. He enjoyed many hours and trips on his sailboat, "Grouch", named grouch because it was a type of font used in printing. Most of us would not know that, but the bridge keepers always remembered him.

He left the classroom in 1988 and became Coordinator of the District Copy Center. During this time, he was able to utilize new digital printing technology and make the print center a county wide resource for about 60% of classroom teaching materials, administrative and faculty paperwork needs.

Ollie is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jean Cavender. He is survived also by his son Charles Cavender (Christine), grandchildren Caitlyn and Chance of Clermont Fl., his son Kenneth Cavender (Abby), grandson Maxwel (Jessica), great- grandchildren, Cosmo, Tinsley, Tatum, Zelda and Oliver. He is survived by his brother-in-law Jim Rhoades, niece Denise and her husband Rob Bridge of Ocala, Fl. and niece Cathy Rhoades of Sarasota. He is predeceased by his sister Ruth Rhoades and nephew David Rhoades. He is also predeceased by his mother-in-law Margaret Watts who loved him dearly.

Buddy's extended family includes his SC family, Daniel McDowell, Celeste McDowell, Jeannie, David, Ellie and Maggie Henry; Margie Justice and Ricky Thomas; his Jacksonville family, Dalton Clapp, Debbie & Irving Schemer, and he would never leave out Nancy and Bruce Miller, who became best friends & travel companions in the late 90's. He is especially grateful for the friendship and support of Theran Hines, Brenda Moore & her family and the wonderful neighbors and friends of Spanish Point.

In lieu of donations, Ollie would ask that you do something kind for a neighbor, a friend or someone in need.