A beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. A veteran of the United States Marine Corps, he fought in life as he did on the battlefield…to the fullest.
A resident of Bartlett, Gary was born in Columbus, MS to Daniel and Eleanor Pendley of Caledonia, MS.
As the eldest son of a Naval Chief Petty Officer, Gary had the opportunity to spend his childhood in Caledonia, MS, San Leandro, CA and Millington, TN before relocating with his family to Eastmeadow, NY, where he played lacrosse and was the star offensive lineman for the Eastmeadow High School football team.
After graduation, Gary attended Mississippi State University where he was an Aerospace Engineering major.
At the height of the Vietnam war, following in the military tradition of his father, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of sergeant.
It was in this capacity, on March 18, 1969, during the 11th month of a 13 month tour of duty, that Gary was hit by a sniper, which resulted in his suffering a traumatic brain injury, that caused him to become a quadriplegic. For this, he was awarded a Purple Heart and the Navy Commendation Medal for heroic service.
As debilitating as this injury was to his physical body, it did not crush his soul or his spirit. His zest for life, his quick wit, attention to detail, and love for his family and never ending faith and trust in the Lord only grew with each passing day.
A loyal member of Bartlett Baptist Church (and New Salem Baptist Church in Caledonia, MS, prior), Gary was a volunteer with the audio visual department.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Debbie, sons Zachary Pendley (Memphis) and Ryan Pendley (Bartlett), his sister, Marcia Finch (Al) of Columbus, MS, his brother Marc (Jennifer) of Memphis, his nephews Rodney Finch (Michelle) of Columbus, MS, Steve Pettigrew (Janet) of Parsons, Kyle Pettigrew (Sarah) of Jackson, nieces Ellie and Megan Pendley (Memphis), Macy Parker (Columbus, MS) and sister-in-law Sandy Pettigrew Carver(Parsons).
He was proceeded in death by his parents Daniel and Eleanor Pendley, in-laws Myron and Martha Pettigrew, nephew Joshua Finch, niece Melinda Finch, and brother-in-law Tommy Pettigrew.
Visitation will be Sunday, May 14 from 6:00-8:00 pm and funeral will be Monday, May 15 at 2:00 pm with visitation one hour prior to service. Graveside following. All of the above will be held at Memphis Funeral Home, 3700 N. Germantown Rd., Bartlett, 38133.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that bequests be made to Bartlett Baptist Church Missions Fund.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralGermantownParkway.com for the Pendley family.
