Charles Pendleton Obituary

May 23, 1940 - December 7, 2023

JONESVILLE, VA - Charles "Clayton" Pendleton, age 83, of Jonesville, VA went to his heavenly home on Thursday, December 07, 2023, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Clayton was born to the late Haze and Nell Snodgrass Pendleton in May of 1940 and was a lifelong resident of Jonesville, VA. Born and raised on a farm in the Sugar Run community of Lee County, he was the oldest of five children and learned the value of hard work at an early age. After graduating from Jonesville High School in 1960, he worked at various jobs throughout his life and mastered many trades along the way. He received his certification in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration from Mountain Empire Community College in 1985. Following his retirement from Appalachian Oil Co. after 31 years of service, his work ethic and desire to help others quickly led him to realize he wasn't ready for retirement, so he returned to work at one of his previously held jobs, a school bus driver and maintenance worker for the Lee County School System. Of all the jobs he held, driving a school bus was undoubtedly the job he enjoyed the most. He loved the students on his bus and strived to always be a positive influence in their lives. He especially enjoyed transporting the Thomas Walker Pioneer sports teams and JROTC to events and competitions. His outstanding support and contribution to the students was a clear demonstration of his selfless community spirit and care for the youth of Lee County.

Throughout life's journey, Clayton lived every day to the fullest. He never met a stranger and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was known by all who knew him as the ultimate handyman who could design, build or repair anything and everything. He owned every tool needed for refrigeration, electrical, plumbing or woodworking repair and was always ready to help those in need. He enjoyed cracking jokes and will always be remembered for some of his light-hearted pranks he pulled on family and friends, especially his co-workers. He had a great ability to make others smile. His quick wit and sense of humor will be missed.

Clayton was a member of Friendship Baptist Church of Jonesville where he served as a deacon and Sunday School Director for several years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two brothers, Gary and Dwight (Sam) Pendleton.

Clayton is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 63 years, Carol Bailey Pendleton; one devoted daughter, Pam and favorite son-in-law, John Crusenberry of Jonesborough, TN; two special granddaughters, Kamrin Bishop and Kynlee Johnson of Jonesville; one loving sister, Sharon Harber of Jonesville, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins and many others who adopted him as papaw. He also leaves behind his beloved furry friend, Buddy.

Pallbearers will be nephews, Greg Pendleton, Samuel Pendleton, Steven Powers, Dustin Powers, Nicholas Johnson, David Bailey, Scott Bailey, Rex Bailey and Jesse Bailey. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Johnston and Steve Bailey.

The family would like to thank Keith Cowden and the staff at Caris Healthcare for their care, compassion and support in Clayton's final days.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 8:00 pm on Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Friendship Baptist Church, 28970 Wilderness Road, Jonesville, VA. The funeral service will follow at 8:00 pm with Rev. Doug Clem and Rev. Doug Odle officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 2:00 pm on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Lee Memorial Gardens. Those who wish to travel in procession to the cemetery are asked to meet at Friendship Baptist Church by 1:00 pm on Monday. The funeral procession will be led by great-nephew, Deputy Dustin Powers.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or the American Heart Association in memory of Charles Clayton Pendleton.

An online registry is available for the family at www.sturgillfuneralhome.com

Mullins-Sturgill Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Charles Clayton Pendleton.