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Jimmy Pendergrass

Funeral service for Jimmy Pendergrass, age 76, of Fayetteville, TN, will be held at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at Higgins Funeral Home with Dr. Jon Hathcock and Bro. Ian Bloxham officiating. Burial will follow in the Flintville Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 11:00 AM until the time of service on Wednesday at Higgins.

Jimmy was born on August 29, 1946, in Fayetteville, TN, to the late Ernest Joseph Pendergrass, Sr., and Mary Nelle Halcomb Pendergrass. He was a 1964 graduate of Flintville School. Mr. Pendergrass was a member of the Fayetteville First Baptist Church. He passed away on October 9, 2022, at Huntsville Hospital Hospice Family Care in Huntsville, AL.

Jimmy had a servant’s heart. He served in the US Army from 1966-1969, during the Vietnam War era. Mr. Pendergrass was part of the 30th Artillery Brigade and worked with the Air Defense Missile weapons systems. His primary responsibilities were to provide security protection from the enemy for the Fifth Special Forces Group Southeast Asia, United States Third Marine Division Pacific Army Command, and the United States Air Force, Reconnaissance Air Surveillance Aircraft, at Kedena Air Force Base in Okinawa, Japan.

After Jimmy’s military service, he returned to Lincoln County and focused on his education. Mr. Pendergrass was a graduate of Martin College (now UT Southern) in Pulaski, TN; Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, TN (1972-1974) with his bachelor’s degree and earned graduate hours towards his master’s degree; University of Alabama at Huntsville, AL (1974), and attended Vanderbilt University (1987-1988) where he took courses in US department of Justice on building correctional facilities in the State of Tennessee. Jimmy also attended MTSU (2003-2004) taking aerospace courses.

Mr. Pendergrass touched many lives through his teaching career. He was instrumental in getting Motlow State Community College, Fayetteville Campus here. Mr. Pendergrass taught at several Lincoln County Schools. Jimmy loved to read and keep up with local government. Mr. Pendergrass served as Lincoln County circuit court clerk for 12 years. He served on many boards including the Elk Regional Refuse Resource Authority (1986-1990), the building of Hwy 64 from Memphis to Chattanooga (1986-1990), Lincoln County Community Education Committee to build the Fayetteville Motlow Campus (1988-1990) and proudly served as Lincoln County Executive (1986-1990).

Survivors include Jimmy’s beloved wife of 50 years, Sarah Bledsoe Pendergrass; son, Michael (Donna) Pendergrass; and daughter, Melissa (Lenton) Burt all of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Ava AnnMarie Pendergrass, Lola MaryGrace Burt, and Channing Leo Burt; God-daughter, Madison Olivia Quick; brothers, Joe (Marie) Pendergrass, and Jerry (Jane) Pendergrass; brothers-in-law, Jesse Bledsoe, Dr. Louis (Barbara) Bledsoe, Tommy (Shirley) Bledsoe, and Edward (Kay) Bledsoe; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Always Endure (House of Hope), P.O. Box 904, 2011 Hall Drive, Fayetteville, Tennessee 37334, or First Baptist Church (Youth Department), P.O. Box 623, Fayetteville, Tennessee 37334.

Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Jimmy Pendergrass.

38 Comments (Open | Close)

38 Comments To "Jimmy Pendergrass"

#1 Comment By Billy Tanner On October 10, 2022 @ 8:43 am

Sara, so glad our paths crossed at the Sr. Center. Know that you have my sympathy and prayers at this difficult time. May the Lord be with you all. Cordelia Tanner

#2 Comment By Carolyn Greenwood On October 10, 2022 @ 8:44 am

Started school with Jimmy and always considered him a friend. He will be missed.

#3 Comment By Wanda Shelton On October 10, 2022 @ 8:56 am

Rarely has there been a man more passionate about the education of children. I am so very sorry for your loss.

#4 Comment By Lenace Hyde On October 10, 2022 @ 9:21 am

Prayers for the family during this time .
Lenace Hyde

#5 Comment By Joyce Plunkett On October 10, 2022 @ 9:23 am

Sara and family,
Sorry to hear Jimmy lost the battle to his illness. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family!

Bobby and Joyce Plunkett

#6 Comment By Shirley Mann On October 10, 2022 @ 9:51 am

Sending love hugs and prayers

#7 Comment By Michael Decker On October 10, 2022 @ 10:28 am

Mr. Jimmy was my 5th grade teacher at Highland Rim school in 1973. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. My prayers are with the family.

#8 Comment By MaryAnn Mason On October 10, 2022 @ 11:31 am

We are very sorry to hear this. All the Pendergass family are good people. Our children went to school together and we loved them as well! Praying for the family!

#9 Comment By Susie Clevenger On October 10, 2022 @ 11:54 am

Thank you Sir for your service to our country and our community.
God bless all The Pendergrass family and many prayers

#10 Comment By Brenda Ables On October 10, 2022 @ 1:10 pm

Sarah I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Jimmy. He was a good man and always friendly and outgoing. I know you will miss him so much. I’m sending hugs and prayers for comfort for you and the family.
Love,
Brenda Ables

#11 Comment By Debbie Morris On October 10, 2022 @ 1:23 pm

Jimmy was such a sweet man. He always had a smile on his face. Praying for all the family. 😢❤🙏🏻

#12 Comment By Kim Halcomb Cowart On October 10, 2022 @ 1:41 pm

Sarah, Melissa & Michael, Our prayers and thoughts are with you and the entire family. Jimmy was such a kind and loving person always caring for others. May all your wonderful memories help heal your hearts. Love you all.

#13 Comment By Martha Wolf On October 10, 2022 @ 2:20 pm

Dear Sarah, I was so sad to hear of the passing of Jimmy. He was always so kind to everyone and was a great teacher to work with at Highland Rim School. I will be praying for you and your family at this sad time. Love, Martha Wolf

#14 Comment By Judy Holt On October 10, 2022 @ 2:49 pm

Praying for the Family

#15 Comment By Jerry and Pat Reese On October 10, 2022 @ 3:07 pm

Jimmy was one of the most sincere , good natured man with a true feeling for people. When he was in public service he did his job at 100%. Wouldn’t the world be better off if all politicians followed his example.

#16 Comment By Mike&Jeanie Hyde On October 10, 2022 @ 3:07 pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time of loss.

#17 Comment By Denise oneal warren On October 10, 2022 @ 3:11 pm

I’m truly sorry to hear about the loss of Jimmy. I worked at pendergrass I was Denise O’Neal. My parents Bobby and Dot new him well. Prayers for all.

#18 Comment By Barbara Bates On October 10, 2022 @ 4:17 pm

Sara and family, I considered Jimmy a good friend. He hired me in 1982 to work for him at the Lincoln County courthouse where I retired after almost 30 years. I was very grateful for that opportunity. Our prayers are with you all. Love C.N. and Barbara

#19 Comment By Margaret D, Taylor On October 10, 2022 @ 4:47 pm

I’m so sorry to hear that Mr. Jimmy passed away he was a wonderful Person and God Bless his Family.

#20 Comment By Pamela Vessell Weeks On October 10, 2022 @ 5:16 pm

Deepest condolences

#21 Comment By Karen Gilliam and family On October 10, 2022 @ 5:19 pm

My family joins me in sending our deepest sympathy at the loss of Jimmy. May God comfort you now and in the days to come.

#22 Comment By Joe and DeLois Thompson On October 10, 2022 @ 5:29 pm

Family,
Mr Jimmy was such a nice guy. Helping anyone he could. May God be with you all during these hard days.

#23 Comment By Kay Horton On October 10, 2022 @ 5:57 pm

I had him as a school teacher he was awasome i always liked him he was a great person so sorry to hear of his passing

#24 Comment By Jodi hopkins On October 10, 2022 @ 6:35 pm

God bless his soul he was such a kind gentleman. Jodi Hopkins

#25 Comment By Gary and Brenda Badenhop On October 10, 2022 @ 7:02 pm

We send our deepest sympathy to you all. We are so glad to have known Jimmy for many years. He was a gentleman!

#26 Comment By Jimmy banks On October 10, 2022 @ 8:22 pm

Jimmy was a good guy always good the extra mile to help someone out

#27 Comment By Allison Greene On October 10, 2022 @ 8:34 pm

So sorry for your loss Melissa and family.

#28 Comment By Allison Edwards Greene On October 10, 2022 @ 8:38 pm

So sorry Donna and family for your loss.

#29 Comment By Nelson and Kathy Boice On October 10, 2022 @ 8:56 pm

Jimmy was so kind to our son, Scott Boice as he was facing cancer back in 1990. He was such a great inspiration to alot of people. He will be missed.

#30 Comment By Cheryl Albury On October 10, 2022 @ 9:47 pm

Mrs. Pendergrass,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed taking care of Mr. Pendergrass when he would come to the hospital in ICU. You both were always so kind. Praying for you and your family.
Cheryl Albury

#31 Comment By Linda Ashby On October 11, 2022 @ 6:58 am

Sarah, so very sorry for your great loss! Pray God will give you the strength and peace only He can give!

#32 Comment By Gayle Sterken On October 11, 2022 @ 10:27 am

Sorry for your loss. Prayers are with you as you maneuver through this sad time and give you strength to carry on.

#33 Comment By Janet Lindsay On October 11, 2022 @ 7:22 pm

I am so sorry about Jimmy! He was always so nice to me and I am sure to everyone he knew ! He was a fine man and will be missed! Much love and sympathy to the family!

#34 Comment By Connie Arnold On October 12, 2022 @ 7:25 am

So sorry for your loss prayers for the family Connie Arnold

#35 Comment By Diane Buchanan On October 12, 2022 @ 8:56 am

So very sorry for your loss! Prayers for comfort in the days to come.

Jimmy and Diane Buchanan

#36 Comment By Paul Sain On October 12, 2022 @ 2:49 pm

Mr. Pendergrass gave me my first job in 1986. It has been a privilege to know him and be allowed to stay connected. He has touched many lives.

#37 Comment By Jamie Luedke On October 13, 2022 @ 6:19 am

Mr. And Mrs. Pendergrass where some of my favorite teachers growing up. Mr. Pendergrass will truly be missed. He was happy to see one of his students. He always remembered my name even years after I graduated.

#38 Comment By Phillip Craig On October 13, 2022 @ 8:45 am

Sarah and family,
So sorry about Jimmy, such a good man. I know you remember when my grandmother kept Michael, she though so much of all of you and me too. Mother loved you too! Take care. Phillip.