Mike, I know you have been going through such a hard time with all of this. He is at peace now. Know that your Dad loved you and was proud of you. If you didn't get a chance to say what you needed to, he can still hear you and you can still talk to him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
kat
Me-53(and learning!) S24, S21, D18, D17 Just keep swimming, Just keep swimming. Dory
My heart goes out to you and your family with the passing of your father, Caleigh's granddaddy and all the people your dad touched in his life.
Nothing replaces a father... and a parent is always too young to die. The love of your family, working together, the preciousness of Caleigh all help as you navigate through this sad time.
I'm still learning about this lingering loss. Let the tears come, the laughter, the anger, the disbelief, the sorrow, the hurt. Be prepared for your father's passing to rip open old wounds and hurts. Everything intensifies.
You are loved, are an incredible guy.. a reflection of your upbringing. I'm sure over time you gave your dad more fun and laughter that those hair tearing out moments.. though I'm sure you snuck in a few.
I had no idea you still had a thread going and now I find out the bad news. I still have both my parents and therefore can not know exactly what you are going through. What I do know is that when we (our family) experienced a loss, it tends to tighten the family bonds. I hope you can take this tiny bit of positive out of all this and make it grow in your father's memory.
I thought you might like to know my dad a little better..so here it is.
James (Jim) Pendleton, 84, beloved husband and dad went home to be with the lord on July 1st, 2009 following a brief illness. He was born on June 21st, 1925 in Manville, Virginia and graduated from Midway High School. He had resided in Kingsport since 1962. He served in the Army as a Military Policeman and fought in World War II at the Battle of the Bulge and in the Korean War. He served in Japan as the country was rebuilt. While stationed in Europe he played as a forward/center on a traveling basketball team that only lost two times in three years. He was honorably discharged in 1952 obtaining the rank of Corporal. He was a 50 year member of American Legion Hammond Post 3. He was a former member of United Commercial Travelers, North Kingsport Volunteer Fire Department, a founding member of the AABC Sullivan County Baseball League and was a life member of the Lynn Garden Optimist Club and served as President and Lieutenant Governor. He was Optimist of the year in 1977, 1978 and 1980. He received numerous community service awards from local schools, the Optimist Club and recreational leagues. He served as a coach and mentor to thousands of children in the Lynn Garden community. He retired from Eastman Kodak in 1986 after 33 years service. He was elected Constable of the 12th Civil District of Sullivan County in August of 1986 and retired in 2008 with 22 years service. He was preceded in death by his mother Margaret and father Hayden, his sisters Aurora Monroe, Gertie Lee Pendleton, Madeline Davis, Hazel Stallard, Ona White. Brothers, Lawrence, Joe, Bill, several nieces and nephews and a very special friend Charlie Bill Phillips. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Beulah Flanary Pendleton. Daughter’s Kathy P. Williams and husband Paul, Gail D. Christian and husband Jeff. Sons Mike Pendleton and friend Michele Atwood, Mark Pendleton and wife Jana. Grandchildren Chandra Williams Kraus and husband Tim, Matthew Pendleton and wife Bobbi, Colby Williams, Caleb, Creed and Cason Christian, Marleigh, Max and Caleigh Pendleton. Several nieces and nephews and a very special friend Delano Davis. Special thanks to his doctors, Dr. Delwadia, Dr. Wyker, Dr. DeSilva, Dr. May and Dr. Rebecca Austin and staff. Very special thanks to his friends and neighbors J.B., Joyce, and Harley Albright and Charles and Andy Hickman. He was an avid basketball fan, who along with Charlie Bill Phillips traveled the area in search of the best games and players. He attended thousands of basketball games over the years traveling as far as Nampa, Idaho in the late 1990’s. He was a huge supporter of his son Coach Mark Pendleton and the Sullivan South Rebels and his grandson Caleb who plays for Volunteer. He was a huge supporter of King College basketball and the Kingsport Mets. The family will receive friends on Saturday July 4th from 3:00-7:00pm at Higher Ground Baptist Church in Kingsport, Tennessee with services immediately following, or anytime at the family residence at 420 Roan Street in Kingsport. Interment will be Sunday July 5th at 2:00pm at Oak Hill Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by American Legion Hammond post #3. Serving as pallbearers are Colby Williams, Matthew Pendleton, Jeff Christian, Caleb Christian, Delano Davis, Leroy Davis, Tim Kraus and Travis Mains. Honorary pallbearers are Paul Williams, George Boyd, the breakfast bunch at Dairy Queen and the lunch bunch at Lynn Garden Restaurant. Special thanks to the officers and staffs of the Sullivan County Sheriffs office and the Kingsport City Police Department. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Sullivan South High School Basketball program 1236 Moreland Drive Kingsport, Tennessee 37664.
