Joseph Earnest Pentecost Jr.

Joseph Earnest Pentecost Jr., 65, of Roanoke, Va., passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2009, following a brief illness. Born in Charleston, W.Va., on July 11, 1943, he was the son of the late Joseph E. and Della Ferguson Pentecost Sr. He married Cindy Sullivan on September 5, 1970. She preceded him in death on September 19, 1989. Mr. Pentecost served in the United States Air Force during the Viet Nam War as an airplane mechanic. He retired in 1997 after 30 years service at General Electric where he was a quality control engineer. He enjoyed computers, science fiction, astronomy, hiking and tennis when he was able. He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted daughter, Traci R. Pentecost and her companion, Beverly Johnson, of Goodview; and a loving grandson, Luke N. Ashby, of Roanoke. A graveside service celebrating Mr. Pentecost's life will be held 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 1, 2009, at Cedar Lawn Memorial Park. His family will receive friends Tuesday evening, June 30, 2009, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Roanoke Chapel of Lotz Funeral Home, 1001 Franklin Road, S.W. The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. Francis of Assisi, 824 Campbell Ave., S.W., Roanoke, Va. Online condolences may be made to www.lotzfuneralhome.com.