William Nelson Pendergrass

William Nelson Pendergrass was born on November 6, 1931, to Truitt and Flossie (Beatty) Pendergrass in Stigler, Oklahoma, and passed from this life on November 23, 2025, in Salina, Oklahoma, at the age of 94 years and 17 days. Nelson grew up in Stigler, where he attended school and graduated with the Class of 1949. A talented athlete, he attended Connors State College in Warner, Oklahoma, on a basketball scholarship and cherished his time on the court. He later answered the call to serve his country, proudly serving in the United States Army. During the Korean War, he served for two years, rising to the rank of sergeant and heading a survey crew near the end of the conflict.
On February 2, 1951, Nelson was united in marriage to Ivalene "Ivy" Todd in Stigler, Oklahoma. Their marriage of more than 74 years stands as a remarkable testimony of devotion, partnership, and unwavering love. Together, they made their homes in Stigler, Tulsa, and for the past 22 years, in Kansas, Oklahoma. Nelson worked for Southwestern Bell in Tulsa as a lineman before being drafted into the Army. After completing his military service, he returned to Southwestern Bell, where he spent 20 years as a Business Representative. He later moved to Bixby, Oklahoma, where he joined Citizen Security Bank as a loan officer and eventually vice president.
Nelson and Ivy felt a deep calling to help children, and their home became a place of hope and healing. With Bethesda Boys Ranch, they directed a home for delinquent boys for over six years. Feeling led to make an even broader impact, they then opened their home to foster girls. From 1980 to 2015, they cared for and supported more than 200 children-changing countless lives through compassion, patience, and Christian love.
In the mid-1980s, Nelson and his dear friend David Ingles helped build the OASIS Network Radio Station, where he contributed faithfully for more than 25 years. He later devoted his time to serving the Lord through work at the John 3:16 Mission in Tulsa. Nelson was a member of the Gospel Lighthouse in Kansas, Oklahoma, and stayed active in many civic and community organizations throughout his life. He served as President of the Tulsa Consumer Credit Association (1967–1968) and was involved in the Chamber of Commerce, the Optimist Club, and the Lion's Club in Bixby. In 2013, he and Ivy were honored with a Governor's Commendation for their extraordinary commitment to helping children through the Delaware County Child Welfare System.
A man of many interests, Nelson enjoyed raising children, cattle, and horses. He loved working in the garden, tending vegetables, and planting trees. He was also a gifted storyteller, poet, and songwriter, drawing inspiration from his life and family. His family holds many treasured memories of him singing in church, sharing songs at family gatherings, and leading Christmas caroling with warmth and joy. Nelson was known for his kind, generous spirit, his steady patience, and his unwavering dedication to those he loved.
Nelson is survived by: His wife: Ivy Pendergrass of the home; 1 daughter: Janet Ferguson and husband Rick of Kansas, Oklahoma; 7 Grandchildren: Tony Ferguson and wife Stephanie of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, Jeremy Ferguson and wife Kristan of Gentry, Arkansas, Michael Andrews and wife Michelle of Florida, Chris Andrews and wife Kasey of Sapulpa, Oklahoma, Deseray Wesley of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Blake Pendergrass of Ozark, Arkansas, and Skylar Pendergrass of Ozark, Arkansas; 21 great grandchildren; 8 great-great grandchildren; Along with many foster children, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by: his parents; 3 children: Claude Terral (Terry) Pendergrass, Cindy Andrews, and William Boyd "Buddy" Pendergrass; 5 Grandchildren: Starr Pendergrass, Chayston Pendergrass, Cynthia Kay "CK" Andrews, Jon Searles, Colyn Jones; 3 brothers: Bruce Harvey Pendergrass, Boyd Pendergrass, and Truitt Jr Pendergrass.
Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, December 3, 2025, at Fort Gibson National Cemetery in Fort Gibson, Oklahoma, with Pastor Sam Andrews officiating and Pastor David Ingles sharing in song. Services are entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home. Memories, condolences, and tributes may be shared at www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com.