Willard Voight Pendleton, Sr.

Willard Voight Pendleton, Sr. age 95, of Asheboro went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, September 24, 2015 at his home. Mr. Pendleton was born in Portsmouth, VA on February 27, 1920 to Miletus Gayle and Viola Jenkins Pendleton. Willard was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Portsmouth, VA where he played football and later attended Newport News Apprentice School. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theatre and later served in the Korean Conflict. After WWII, he attended ECTC (East Carolina Teachers College) where he obtained his Master's Degree and played football. He married the love of his life, Hilda Chrisman, and started his family. The family moved to Virginia Beach where they resided for 18 years and he served as an elementary school Principal and Food Service Director. He retired from the Virginia Beach City Schools in 1972 and moved his family to Kill Devil Hills, NC and opened the Ocean Seafood Restaurant. In 1986, Willard retired from the Dare County Schools and moved to Asheboro, NC where he enjoyed golf, cruising with Hilda, watching Carolina Basketball, and especially sharing his tomatoes and his sweet potato pies. Willard was a wonderful husband and daddy and adored his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Willard was preceded in death by his lovely wife of 68 years, Hilda. We have truly lost a proud veteran of the Great Generation. He is survived by his son, Willard (Bill) Pendleton, Jr. and wife Lendy of Wilmington, NC; daughter, Jeanne Forrest and husband Steve of Clemmons, NC; grandson, Ted Pendleton of Charlotte, NC; granddaughter, Bonny Morris and husband Peter of Clemmons, NC; great granddaughter, Caroline Marie Morris; and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2015 at 12:00 noon at Fair View Cemetery, 3300 Melrose NE, Roanoke, VA with Rev. Bill Pendleton, Jr. officiating. Mr. Pendleton's body will lie in state on Monday, September 28, 2015 at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro. Memorials may be made to the Central United Methodist Church Building Fund, 300 South Main Street, Asheboro, NC 27203. Pugh Funeral Home in Asheboro, NC is serving the Pendleton family.