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Mr. Thomas Jefferson Pendergrass III

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Thomas Pendergrass Obituary

Published by Smart Cremation Texas on Nov. 4, 2018.

THOMAS J. PENDERGRASS, III April 6, 1951 – November 4, 2018 Thomas Jefferson Pendergrass, III (known to some as Tom, and others as Jeff) died peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on November 4, 2018 in Roseville, CA at the age of 67. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Laura Pendergrass of Roseville, CA, his daughter Courtney Pendergrass (who was his pride and joy), and his sister Susan Cavano, both of Long Beach, CA. He is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas J. Pendergrass, Jr. and Barbara Pendergrass, of Hemet, CA. Tom was born on April 6, 1951 in Fort Worth, TX, and honorably served his country in the US Army. He was a 1969 graduate of West High School in Torrance, CA, and earned his BS and MBA from Pacific Western University. For many years, Tom was in the travel/transportation business with his father, and ultimately retired from Northrop Grumman Corporation as the Corporate Director of Legal Systems and Services/Business Development. After his retirement, he was a Senior Swim Meet Referee with the NCAA, NFHS and USS Swimming and Diving (mostly to spend more time with Courtney, who was an avid swimmer). In that capacity, he served as the President of the Southern California Aquatics Federation (SCAF) for 4 years. Anyone that knew him also knew of his love for his 60 year old Mickey Mouse collection. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, cousin, nephew, and friend. At his request, no services are planned.

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Recent Activity

December 27, 2018

Melissa Sherman posted to the memorial.

December 24, 2018

Courtney Pendergrass posted to the memorial.

November 30, 2018

Kirk Pendergras posted to the memorial.

18 Entries

Melissa Sherman

December 27, 2018

Laura and I met when we were in our early 20's and immediately became best friends. Later, in our late 20's, Laura met Tom through a mutual friend. He was a big, handsome presence of a man and he and Laura dated and later married. Tom was always so nice to me and I knew he made Laura very happy. They were good for each other. When I had my son Laura and Tom had their daughter Courtney a few years later and we use to tease about how they might grow up and get married. I loved Laura as best friends do and came to love Tom also. I loved the way he would joke around. He was the best cook this side of the Mississippi. It was very touching to see a man of his stature have dinner ready when Laura came home from work. I never forgot that about Tom. I will always remember his smile. It lit up his face. Laura was lucky to have her husband and best friend for 35 years and for that I will always be thankful. I can still hear his voice, see him in my mind, laughing. If he were here I would thank him and hug him for making my best friend so happy. I will miss you Tom but I will never forget you. It feels good to know you will be waiting for Laura when it's her time for angel wings but until then, God speed my friend, I will take care of Laura the best I can. Love you, Melissa

Courtney Pendergrass

December 24, 2018

As the days and weeks pass, I find myself struggling with the reality that youre gone. I was your angel and now youre mine. Rest In Peace, daddy. I will love you forever.

Kirk Pendergras

November 30, 2018

Tom, you were my cousin but was my true brother. You were always looking out for me and we were blood. We had a great life and you left me with the greatest memories to
Last me a lfetime. If we could go back to 1976, starting with that road trip from Austin to Los Angeles again. What a fun trip that year, the yellow Leisure suit you bought me was the funniest thing ever. Living in Grapevine Tx with you and Laura sealed the deal though, what an experience that was, then moving to Los Angeles with you and Laura. Through the years we became closer and closer, I hope you knew how much you meant to me. I owe you so much but knew I could never repay you. I really miss you brother. I'm just really glad I got to come see you in person before you passed it does not seem real, even though you laid in that bed, I could not see it. Take care, I'll see you on the other side soon. Love Kirk

Jill Smith

November 11, 2018

I met Tom and Laura when Laura and I were working at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital together. Laura and I were kindred spirits and soon became the best of friends. Laura has been a friend that sticks closer than a sister. I remember dinners at Tom and Laura's home where Tom was always the host with the most... the most hospitality, the most smiles, the most generous heart ,and the most food! I cherish many great times in their company and have missed them both tremendously since moving out of California. Tom's passing will leave a void in many peoples lives. He was taken from us too soon. But his life leaves a legacy of peoples lives he touched and changed for the better through his ready smile, kindness and generosity. The love and commitment he had for Laura and Courtney many men would do well to emulate.
To my bestie Laura I want to say: I know the ache is deep, the tears many and the anger is raw. But know deep inside you that God is with those whose heart is breaking. His peace passes all understanding and time does heal. I know God holds you in the palm of his hands and your future will be safe with Him. I wish I was there with you, please know that my heart and my love always are.

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Rich and Carol Kebrdle

November 11, 2018

Although time and distance have caused us to be physically apart, we remember Tom fondly having enjoyed so many good times with him and his whole family. Tom was a unique person and will be missed. May he rest in peace.

Ron and Sue Breyer

November 10, 2018

Remembering... Hemet Valley Dolphins swim meets, and more swim meets, and more swim meets; fun times in hotels and restaurants for swim meets all over Southern California; parties at the Pendergrasses; Disney memorabilia; camping at DeAnza Harbor Resort in San Diego; Easter with Tom, Laura and Courtney; including Amanda in your trips to Disneyland; giving our sons numerous opportunities to earn money by doing yard work; Tom "training" Ron in the art of consulting, including trips into Century City; making us LAUGH until our stomachs hurt; your friendship.

Thanks for the memories, Tom (and Laura, and Courtney).

Ron and Sue and the Breyer family

Rene' Wisniewski

November 10, 2018

RIP Tom, you were a force to be reckoned with, but I will miss you. You were such a wonderful host, a giving person a true friend for life. We will watch out for Laura and Courtney.b2g6q

Steve Wisniewski

November 10, 2018

I will always remember you guys living across the street in RPV and Courtney learning to swim in our pool ! And I will never forget planning our film of "Carpool Buddies from Hell" on our way to & from work.

Yvonne Riggan

November 9, 2018

Tom was our brother in-law and known to us as "Jeff". He always had a generous heart and good nature about him. We are sad he is no longer with us and take comfort in the fact that he is resting in peace.

Our hearts go out to Laura, Courtney and Susan who lovingly cared for him.

Tom and Yvonne

Sonja Porter

November 9, 2018

I will miss being harassed by Tom. Tom and Laura would come to Raley's, I'm pretty sure, to harass me in my checkstand. I'll miss you....

Tommy back in the 70's. He always had my back because nobody ever messed with the big guy. May he rest in piece.

Terry Ackley

November 9, 2018

Dee Wooldridge

November 8, 2018

Tom had a soft sensitive spot in his heart and a personality that was bigger than life, to go with that big heart. He would come to visit us (Grady Wooldridge and Dee in Austin) and he would keep us all in perpetual motion with all of his hilarious antics. It was obvious Tom loved life and lived it to the fullest. MY heart , thoughts and prayers goes out to each of you family members , who will miss him dearly. Remember he has left wonderful memories for each of you, so that he will never be far from you.

Terri Bernard

November 8, 2018

Rest In Peace, Jeff. You will be missed.

Robert Baker

November 8, 2018

I met Tom and Laura while living in Yreka CA. Tom was a dear friend and I will surely miss him. When Laura told me of his health declining, it just broke my heart to know that his time with us was short. Even worse with his passing. There is a hole in our lives without him. Rest in peace my dear friend.

Sharon Morgan

November 8, 2018

We have such fond memories of Tommy. We always enjoyed being around him. Tommy made people feel good.

Janice Mays

November 8, 2018

Words cannot express how very sorry we are for your loss.
I can only imagine how much you all will miss him and his
crazyness. We will never forget the times we were in CA and
he would always take us and our kids to Disneyland.

May you all find the peace that only God can give.

Hugs to you, Courtney and Susan.

Janice & Gene

Laura Pendergrass

November 6, 2018

Rest in peace my darling husband and best friend. I miss you like crazy, but know that you are at peace and no longer suffering. You will forever live in my heart! I love you to the moon and back.

Susan Cavano

November 6, 2018

Bubba I will miss you forever.

Showing 1 - 18 of 18 results

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