BYRON – Richard Paul Pendergrass, 67, died Monday, Jan. 29, 2018. He was born Sept. 18, 1950 in Rockford, the son of Paul and Nettie (Taylor) Pendergrass.
He graduated high school in Byron in 1968. Shortly after graduation he joined the United States Navy in November 1968. He served as a radioman and completed two tours in Vietnam. After the Navy he worked as an engineer at Greenlee Textran where he invented a pipe bender that is currently in the Rockford Industrial Museum. He married Sharon Marie (Payne) Pendergrass on March 17, 1973 in Leaf River. He was extremely creative and was an amazing artist. In his free time, he enjoyed bowling, golfing (with his several mulligans), being a die-hard Chicago Bears fan and spending time with his family.
Rick is survived by his wife, Sharon Pendergrass of Byron; Children Richard Pendergrass Jr. of Oregon, Christina Pendergrass of Stillman Valley and Jaime (Jeff) Croegaert of Oregon. His siblings include: Marie Norup of Leaf River, Gary Pendergrass of Leaf River, Jane (Wayne) Hurd, Wendy (Wayne) Salveson, Penny (Tom) Kane, and Patricia “Patty” (Jim) Bortoli, all of Byron. Grandchildren include: Charlie, Kyle, Richard III, Brandon, Taylor, Colten, Kayla, Peyton, Jordan, Brooklyn, Nathanial and Noah.
He is proceeded in death by his parents Arnold “Paul” and Nettie Pendergrass and brother Joe Pendergrass.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, Feb. 6 from 3-5 p.m. and immediately followed by a memorial service at Cornerstone Family Church in Byron, with pastor Randy Snider officiating.
