Rev. William Beasley Pendleton

The Reverend William “Bill” Beasley Pendleton, 71, of Mount Airy, North Carolina, passed away on Monday, February 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Bill was born on March 30, 1954, in Mount Airy, North Carolina, to the late William R. and Rebecca Beasley Pendleton.

A proud graduate of Mount Airy High School, Class of 1972, Bill went on to attend North Carolina State University, earning a degree in Rehabilitation Engineering. As a freshman, he played tennis at North Carolina State and was also instrumental in helping establish the Mount Airy High School tennis team. In his early years, Bill served his community as a volunteer firefighter and lifeguard.

In 1976, Bill survived a brain tumor and was given only seven months to live. Defying all odds, he devoted the remainder of his life to serving others with unwavering faith, courage, and compassion.

Bill was employed by the State of North Carolina as a rehabilitation engineer, where he advocated tirelessly for individuals with disabilities. In 2005, he completed his Episcopal Deaconate training at Duke University and was ordained as a vocational deacon.

Throughout his ministry, Bill served faithfully at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, St. Anne’s Episcopal Church, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, and ultimately returned to his cradle-born church, Trinity Episcopal Church in Mount Airy. He was devoted to pastoral care at Northern Surry Hospital, often accompanied by his beloved service dog, Toby.

Bill had many creative passions, including photography, film developing, woodworking, and drawing. In his later years, he cherished monthly breakfasts with former coworkers from Perry Manufacturing. He was adamant about holding and reading his beloved The Mount Airy News and Winston-Salem Journal in print.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents, William M. and Cora Fulk Beasley and Morris and Susie Pendleton; his brother-in-law, Larry M. Martin; and his faithful service dog, Toby.

Bill is survived by Janice “Jan” Frye Hill; his sister, Kathryn “Kitty” Martin; his brother and sister-in-law, Benjamin “Ben” and Tammy Pendleton; his honorary daughter, Shelly Redmond; and his service dog, Fabio. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 1, at 3:00 PM at Trinity Episcopal Church, 472 North Main Street, Mount Airy, North Carolina, officiated by The Very Reverend Sarah Carper Morris. A reception will follow at 4:00 PM at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History.

An avid North Carolina State Wolfpack fan, attendees are encouraged to wear Bill’s favorite colors — red and black. However, since Bill was also accepted to The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he would graciously extend acceptance to anyone wearing Carolina blue.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 472 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030; Mountain Valley Hospice House, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, NC 27017; or Saint Francis Service Dogs, P.O. Box 19538, Roanoke, VA 24019.

Bill’s life was a testimony to perseverance, faith, and service. He leaves behind a legacy of compassion, advocacy, and steadfast devotion to God and community.

Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the Pendleton family.