Mr. Thomas Carl "Tom" Pendergraft

Thomas Carl Pendergraft, 74, a man who lived life to the fullest, died on Friday, January 26. Tom was born March 7, 1943, the son of Herman and Lula Pendergraft of Johnston County. Tom enlisted in the Army in 1960, and as a soldier in the 82nd Airborne, served three tours in Viet Nam, earned the Bronze Star with V-device, achieved master parachutist status, and retired in 1981 as First Sergeant. His love of aviation led him into hang gliding and ultralight flight; he qualified as an instructor in both sports. Chasing a dream of designing ultralights, he relocated to the foothills, landing in Dobson. Though he was “not from here,” Tom put down roots and positively anchored himself in the community. After successfully trying his hand at selling cars, Tom became a stay-at-home dad to his sons, and for several years coached Little and Pony League Baseball teams, coached community basketball, and refereed high school volleyball. Tom was also an avid golfer. His innate talent and experience on the golf course allowed him the opportunity to give golf lessons for 8 years through the continuing education division of Surry Community College. Following those years, Tom became the head coach of the college’s golf team; a position he held for 10 years, resigning in November 2017. His leadership and enthusiasm elevated several student athletes to national recognition. Tom was preceded in death by his parents, and a daughter, Jenny Pendergraft. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Susan of 32 years, their sons, Thomas, Jr. and Austin Pendergraft, and Tom’s daughter, Lisa Hoeltje. Also, three grandchildren and one great grandchild will have the benefit of hearing about Tom’s expansive travels and adventures for years to come. Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday January 30, 2018 in the Chapel of Moody-Davis Funeral with Burial to follow in the Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, with a full military burial service. The family will receive friends on Monday evening at Moody-Davis Funeral Home from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M... In lieu of flowers, donations to the Surry Community College Golf Team, 630 S. Main Street, Dobson, NC 27017 or Salem Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 430 Rockford Road, Dobson, NC 27017 will be appreciated. Moody-Davis Funeral Home is serving the Pendergraft Family.

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