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Thomas Mark Pendergrass
1954 - 2011
Thomas Mark Pendergrass
1954 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
Thomas Pendergrass Obituary
He was born on January 10, 1954, in Chattanooga, TN, and was the son of the late Howard L. and Grace Williams Pendergrass. He was the grandson of the late Mark and Blanche Williams and Tom and Edna Pendergrass.
As a boy he loved hunting and fishing and became an Eagle Scout. He graduated from Hixson High School and enjoyed sports as a student. He was the Faculty Representative for his senior class. He had a Bachelor's Degree from UTC, a diploma from Erlanger Nursing School, a Master's Degree from UTC, and a Ph.D. in Psychology from Ball State University in Muncie, IN. He became a Scout Master and remained an avid fisherman throughout his life. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hixson.
He started his career as a Registered Nurse at Erlanger. He also worked at Fort Sanders Hospital in Knoxville, Unum, and Focus Psychiatric Services as a registered nurse/psychologist.
Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Linda Hurley Pendergrass, children Mark Justin Pendergrass and Leigh Anna Pendergrass, one uncle, two aunts, and several cousins.
Memorial services will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 18th at Chattanooga Funeral Home on Highway 153 with Pastor Gary Schimmer officiating.
Contributions may be made to Ronald McDonald House at 200 Central Avenue in Chattanooga, TN 37304 or the charity of your choice.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 17 at Chattanooga Funeral Home on Highway 153.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist. Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Ellis Bevill
May 13, 2012
Linda, Leigh, Mark and Jenny, I so miss Tom, I think of him many times daily, especially when fishing, I see and do so many things that put him right there with me. Still talk with him on the water. So looking forward to attending Mark's wedding in July with Janak. I know there will be a strong "Tom" presence there!
Steve White
September 5, 2011
Linda--
You probably don't remember me but I went with you and Tom at Hixson Junior High and High School. I am so sorry for your loss. I couldn't believe it when I saw this on the Internet. Please take care of yourself and my sincere condolences.
June 17, 2011
Linda, I went to Hixson Jr. High with you and Tom. I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you. Elizabeth Scire, Great Falls, MT [email protected]
Jan Herbert
June 1, 2011
I am still in shock after learning we had lost Dr. Tom. He was truly one of a kind; his fishing stories, sense of humor, and willingness to help in any way needed were greatly appreciated by the clinical staff who worked with him at UNUM. His ability to communicate and share his knowledge were exceptional. I really missed him when he left UNUM and am devastated to know that he is no longer with us on this earth. God bless Dr. Tom and his family.
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Kevin Mills
May 24, 2011
I can honestly say, one of the coolest guys I have ever met. You will truly be missed.
May 23, 2011
Linda- I am so sorry to learn of Tom's death. He was a great man and a gentleman. Just today I was looking at some pictures of a Thanksgiving dinner and parties at East Adams with you there. What great memories of the fun times in Muncie and at Ball State. You are in my heart and prayers. Jan Joy
Ann Madden-Arrington
May 21, 2011
Linda, I was so sorry to find out about your loss from Norman. Tom was an exceptional man and a good friend. He will truly be missed by everyone that knew him. I was looking at old pictures recently and remembering all the fun times at Ball State. Please know you and the children are in my prayers. Love, Ann Madden-Arrington (Stowers)
Jane Price
May 20, 2011
Whenever I would go to Dr. Pendergrass' office at Unum with a question he would stop whatever he was doing, greet me cheerfully, and answer the question in a way that was supportive and encouraging. He would then take time to chat a bit and always had proud stories of his family. My thoughts are with his family now.
May 20, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Tom at Patricia Neal Rehabilitation Center, back in the 80's and truly enjoyed our professional relationship. He had a wonderful sense of humor. May the Lord comfort in your sorrow. Betsy Fryar
Jana Zimmerman
May 20, 2011
In the days since Tom's passing, people at Unum - myself included - have been reeling from the unexpected loss of a true gentleman and friend and sharing our feelings as we try to come to terms with his sudden end of life. Not surprising to anyone who has had the opportunity to work with Tom, my feelings about him were echoed among all I spoke with. Again and again, Tom was revered for his collegial nature, gentle compassion, integrity, dignity, wit, wisdom, obvious respect for all, sheer intelligence and business acuity, and guidance. Rarely has one individual touched so many people in such a positive and longlasting way.
Lynda Miller
May 20, 2011
Linda, you and your family have been and will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers through the coming months. I have great memories of the 2 of you in high school (so many years ago).
Lynda (Fairchild)Miller
Lori Kaylor (Sanders)
May 19, 2011
Mrs Pendergrass my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time and in the days to come. May God comfort you and keep you comforted always. Lori Beth
Lori Kaylor (Sanders)
May 19, 2011
Our hearts go out to you at this time and in the days ahead.
May 19, 2011
We are saddened by the sudden death of Dr. P. He was an answer to our prayers in a time of need by providing encouragement and support to our family for over 15 years. May God comfort you during your time of loss. MC
Ron Haley
May 19, 2011
My condolences and prayers go out to the Pendergrass family. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Tom during my years at UNUM; what a tremendous man, and what a loss to Chattanooga. After reading other guest entries, I see that He did not just leave his mark on me, but on everyone that he came into contact with. Although, he was taken from us too soon, I thank God that I had the privilege and opportunity to spend time with him. He was truly a unique man in this world, and many lives have been touched by him....his legacy and memory will live on in our hearts. RIP Tom!
Ida Hinck
May 19, 2011
Linda, Leigh, and Mark- I am unable to express the level of saddness I felt hearing about Tom's passing. He was a great coworker and friend. It was my privilege and great fortune to have had the time with him and his wisdom at UNUM while he was here. I will miss his kindness and upright character. God bless you as you navigate this difficult time. You are in my prayers.
J S
May 19, 2011
I felt such sadness when I learned of Dr. Tom's passing. I had the pleasure of working with him for 6 years and had the utmost respect for him as a person and professional. When I reflect back on my interactions with Dr. Tom, I think of how he always greeted me with a fantastic smile that generated such warmth. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and my hope is that the kind words left but those who knew, loved and respected him will provide some comfort. I send my sympathies to the Pendergrass family.
Patti Griscom
May 19, 2011
Leigh, I'm so sorry for this great loss. I can see and know that your father raised you to be the exceptional woman you are today. You'll always make your father proud. I'll be praying for you and your family.
Angela Collins
May 18, 2011
I was blessed to call Tom my mentor and my friend for over 15 years. I could always call him and discuss difficult cases over lunch. At these lunches, he would always talk about Mark & Leigh. You could tell he was a proud father. He always called me "sunshine" so I hope this memory will give you some sunshine during this most difficult time.
Alfred F. Parisi
May 18, 2011
My deepest condolences to all of Tom's family. He was my manager at UNUM for four years until the end of 2009. To this day I miss his guidance, gentle manner and deep sense of humor.
CONNIE MAXWELL
May 18, 2011
LINDA,SO SORRY ABOUT TOM! HAVE BEEN AWARE OF YOUR LOVE,ADMIRATION AND DEVOTION TO HIM SINCE OUR FIRST MEETING, A VERY IMPRESSIVE QUALITY OF YOUR AWESOME STRENGTH AND CHARACTER... NO DOUBT THESE WILL HELP YOU AND YOUR PRECIOUS FAMILY THROUGH THE DAYS AHEAD. YOU AND YOURS WILL REMAIN IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS. TIME HEALS... LOVE ENDURES...PROVERBS 27:17
Essie Bruell
May 18, 2011
This is such sad news. I knew Tom as a colleague (I was an internist) and referred many patients (including myself) because he was the best. He had such a great sense of humor that he put you instantly at ease. Please know that we will always remember him fondly. Much love to you all.
Richard Leiderman
May 18, 2011
Dr. Tom was a very good man who will missed by many. My prayers are with the the family. RIP Dr. Tom.
May 18, 2011
Our prayers our with you and your family, Dr. P. You helped us tremendously.
Mike Gooden
May 18, 2011
Linda, Dad called me last night and I couldn't believe what he told me. Over the past 24 hours, I have been thinking about Tom and all the great memories of all of us growing up. I am truly saddened and want you to know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
May 18, 2011
Linda, I was saddened to learn of Tom's death. Please know my thoughts and prayers are with you and your children.
Chris and Norma Hansen
Randy Ford
May 17, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. Our family was blessed to have known Tom and your family. We are also thankful for Tom's leadership in Scouting. May God Comfort You All. Randy, Retta & Grant Ford & Beth Adel
Courtney Armstrong
May 17, 2011
I worked with Dr. Tom at Unum and he was always so pleasant, witty, and insightful. He helped a lot of folks in our community and will be missed. Sending my thoughts and prayers to his family.
Stuart Holt
May 17, 2011
We love you all.You are in our thoughts and prayers...Stuart
Mona Bombassi
May 17, 2011
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss. Dr. Pendergrass had an amazing sense of humor and was an exception friend and colleague to many at Unum. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Butch Appling
May 17, 2011
Very sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I knew him thru Dr.Janak Naik & Ellis Bevill. I had fished with Tom several times and he was such a great guy to be around. Prayers to the family and he will be missed.
Jen Correll
May 17, 2011
My heart just broke to hear of Dr. Tom's passing. I was lucky to know him these 11 years and cherish my memories of his dry wit and vast knowledge on so many subjects. He was my dear friend and beloved to those who knew him. God bless and be with your family during this painful time.
Gayla Hickey
May 17, 2011
To Dr. Pendergrass's family. I am very sorry for the passing of Dr. Pendergrass. I enjoyed working with him. I will miss him very much. My prayers and thoughts are with the family.
Sue Sheldon
May 17, 2011
I amk so saddened to learn of Tom's passing. My sympathy to his son, daughter, and wife Linda who is a good friend. May God be with you at this time of such sorrow.
Garrett Holt
May 17, 2011
I will never forget hanging out with Tom when Mark and I were in high school. All to often spending time at the Pendergrass house began with an engaging conversation with Dr. Pendergrass. I seem to remember the conversation always starting with him asking about my parents and the Army truck. Great times. My best to the family. The entire Holt family has all of you in our prayers.
M D
May 17, 2011
To the family of Dr. Tom, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Dr. Tom will truly be missed not only by you, his family, but by the many, many people whose lives he touched in some way. I only knew him briefly, but in that time, I had come to respect
him greatly; not just as a coworker, but as a person. He was someone who was funny, genuine, and caring. The city of Chattanooga, and the state of Tennessee lost a great man on Saturday. L (Chattanooga)
May 16, 2011
You will be truely missed. You were a great colleague and I will continue to use the things you have taught me. I hope your leadership continues through all of us you have mentored. Thanks
May 16, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Tom was such a special person. I thought the world of him. Patricia Neve
Nikki Reynolds-Tatum
May 16, 2011
There are no words. Dr. Pendergrass was a fantastic clinician and even better person. I am humbled to have known him and wish his family great comfort during this tough time.
Karen (Kropff) Parham
May 16, 2011
I had the pleasure of working for Dr. Pendergrass, as well as other staff at Focus Psychiatric Services about 8+ years ago. I always enjoyed Dr. Pendergrass' humor and wit and he will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family in your time of grief.
Kim Brothers Harris
May 16, 2011
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Tom at Unum previously and he was an outstanding Dr. to work with. He will be missed by many.
Marilyn Howard
May 16, 2011
My heart is truly broken after hearing of the passing of Dr. Tom. Not only was he a colleague but I considered him a friend. My fondest memory of memory of Dr. Tom is the day he allowed my then teenage daughter, Brooke, to job shadow him for a day because she expressed an interest in psychology. I cannot put into words how I feel right now. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of sorrow.
Melinda and Vaughn Bingham
May 16, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Shane Berryhill
May 16, 2011
I am truly saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Tom Pendergrass, a man I considered to be a true friend. I came to know Dr. Tom while working at Unum. He was always quick with a smile and a ‘hello,’ and you knew each and everyone to be sincere. Years later, when I came to him about a difficult situation facing my own family, he did not hesitate to provide the help we needed, and did so without any thought of compensation or reward. Because of Dr. Tom, my family passed through a terrible crisis for the better. I owe this good man beyond what words can express. The loss of Dr. Tom is truly a loss for us all, and I send my deepest sympathies to the Pendergrass family.
Sarah Kuhn
May 16, 2011
I'll miss your stories about fishing and getting a hook in your ear. Thank you for everything you taught me. You were a great listener.
May 16, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Melinda and Vaughn Bingham
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5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343
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