Jeff Brendle Obituary

David Jeffrey “Jeff” Brendle, age 83, passed away on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Atrium Health Cleveland Hospital. Born in Morganton, NC, he was the son of the late David Winford “Winnie” Brendle and Beulah Josephine Martin Brendle.

In addition to his parents, Jeff was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Brooks Monroe Brendle. After Jane’s passing, Jeff married Brenda Powell Brendle, who also preceded him in death. He was also preceded by his brother, Thad Brendle, and his great-niece, Christina Marie Brendle.

After graduating from high school in Drexel, NC, Jeff graduated from North Carolina State University in 1964, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Agronomy. Nearly 20 years later, responding to the call to full-time ministry, Jeff received his Master of Divinity and Master of Religious Education from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1983.

Jeff’s love of soil and science led him to work for the Soil Conservation Service (USDA) in Lumberton and Shallotte, NC, from 1964 to 1967, and then to Kaiser Agriculture Chemicals in Acme, NC, from 1967 to 1969. From there, he transitioned to another love, building with his hands. From 1969 to 1971, Jeff worked for Laurutan of Carolina in Lumberton. He and the family then moved back to his hometown of Drexel, where he was self-employed as a Home Builder and Landscape Contractor from 1971-1979. One of his great joys during this time was working alongside his father, Winnie. It was also during this time, supported by his family and his home church, First Baptist Church of Drexel, where he had served as a Sunday School teacher, choir director, deacon, and chairman of finance and pastor search committees, Jeff felt an unmistakable call to full-time ministry. Answering that call, the family moved to Raleigh, NC, so Jeff could attend the nearby seminary, and he worked at JC Edwards Contracting and Engineering from 1979 to 1980. In 1980, Jeff was called to Fellowship Baptist Church in Burlington, NC. He was ordained on October 12, 1980, at First Baptist Church of Drexel. Jeff served the people of Fellowship Baptist Church until 1985, when he was called by Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby, NC. Jeff shepherded the community of believers at Elizabeth until his health would no longer allow him to do so, retiring from full-time ministry in 1998. After his retirement, Jeff found a new calling in lay ministry with the people of Pleasant City Church (then Putnam Memorial Baptist Church), where he taught Sunday School, his precious Shepherd’s Class Connect Group. He also served on committees, mentored others, and was fully involved in the life of the church. The Father also gave him a brand new ministry with the dear folks at his dialysis clinic, Fresenius Kidney Care, for which he was most grateful.

Jeff is survived by his daughter, Quinne Bridges, and her husband, Jamie, of Kings Mountain, NC, along with their children, Meredith, Samuel, and Ila. He is also survived by his daughter, Paige Timer, and her husband, Josh, of Rolla, MO, and their children, Max and Halle. His brother, Tim Brendle, and wife, Ava, of Virginia, along with their children, Brooks, Adria, and Telius and their families, also survive him. Jeff is also survived by his precious friend and faithful companion, Norma Blanton and her family.

In lieu of a time of receiving friends, Jeff and the girls ask that you write your memories in letters to the girls to honor his memory. Stories, memories, the ways he blessed your life, whatever you would like to share. When Jane left for heaven, God used your stories to help heal the girls’ hearts. There will be a basket for your letters at the celebration of life service. If you are unable to attend, letters may be mailed to Quinne and Paige at: 511 Long Branch Road, Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, October 13, 2025, at Pleasant City Church in Shelby, NC, with Pastor Jonathan Glisson and Pastor Tim Brendle officiating.

A private burial will be held by the family at Elizabeth Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Jeff’s memory to the Missions Committees of the churches of Jeff’s life: Pleasant City Church in Shelby, NC; Elizabeth Baptist Church in Shelby, NC; Fellowship Baptist Church in Burlington, NC; and Drexel First Baptist Church in Drexel, NC.

Online condolences can be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the family.