Hugh T. Pendleton, Jr.

Hugh T. Pendleton, Jr., 78, of Rustburg passed away Tuesday, December 24, 2013. He is survived by his devoted wife of 52 years, Emily Saunders Pendleton. Hugh was born on November 30, 1935 in Washington D. C. a son of the late Irene Murphy Pendleton and the late Hugh T. Pendleton, Sr. In addition to his wife, he is survived by one daughter, Laura Pendleton Stirewalt and husband, Jack of Fishersville, VA; one son, John Edward Pendleton and wife, Natalie Gaines Rome of San Francisco, CA; three grandchildren, Thomas Quinton Knott and fiancée, Ashley Bennett Anderson, Anna Bethany Knott and Allison Bonnie Rome; one sister, Margaret Irene Murphy; one brother, John McMullen and wife, Mary; and three sisters-in-law; Marian Kessler, Betty Goad and Garnette Teass and husband Bud; ten nieces and nephews; Kerrie Hillman, Paul Kessler, Stacey Jones, Chuck Goad, William Teass, Ann Hubbard, Gwynne Teass, Jerry McMullen, Jimmy McMullen and Joey McMullen; and fifteen great-nieces and nephews. Hugh was a loving father, grandfather, son-in-law, uncle and loyal friend to countless individuals in the community.

 In addition to his parents, Hugh was predeceased by his father and mother-in-law, Clyde and Ruth Saunders; one brother-in-law, William Kessler, and two nephews, Thomas Teass and Jeffrey McMullen.

 Hugh graduated from New London Academy in 1954 and from Lynchburg College in 1958. In 1967 he received his M. Ed. Adm. & Sup. Degree from the University of Virginia and in 1981 received a degree in Educ. Specialist Adm. and Sup. from the University of Virginia.

 From 1958 to 1967 he was a teacher at Rustburg High School. From 1958 to 1968 he was Athletic Director and Coach at Rustburg High School. He served as Assistant Principal at Rustburg High School from 1967 to 1968. From 1968 until 1970 he was Principal at Leesville Road Elementary School. He returned to Rustburg High School as Principal in 1970 and remained in that position until his retirement in 1997. Following his retirement the Hugh T. Pendleton Scholarship Award at Rustburg High School was named in his honor. In 2011 the Hugh T. Pendleton Athletic Complex at Rustburg High School was also named in his honor. He was a loyal Rustburg athletics fan, attending sporting events through the last week of his life.

 From 1972 until 1997 Hugh held various positions in the Virginia High School League (VHSL). In 1982 he received the VHSL Coaches Distinguished Service Award, in 1989 he received the VHSL Torch of Honor Award, and in 2002 he was inducted in the VHSL Hall of Fame as an Administrator. One of Hugh\"™s passions was directing and hosting high school athletic tournaments.

  From 1989 until the time of his death, Hugh was a member of the Campbell County Board of Supervisors having been elected by his fellow citizens to six consecutive terms. During his time on the Board of Supervisors he served three terms as Vice Chairman and three terms as Chairman of the Board. He was mostly honored by the Rustburg community as Grand Marshal of the annual Rustburg Christmas Parade.

 Hugh was a member of Rustburg United Methodist Church for 45 years. During that time he held many leadership positions in the Church, including Board Chairman, Finance Chairman, Sunday School Superintendent, Chairman of Pastor Parish, Lay Leader, Men\"™s Sunday School Teacher and currently as Chairman of the Trustees.

 Hugh was a member of the Rustburg Ruritan Club where he served as President in 2003 and 2004 and was voted Ruritan of the Year by his fellow club members. In 1989 he received the Rustburg Ruritan Citizen of the Year Award for his many years of service to the Rustburg community.

The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, December 27, 2013 at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A funeral service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 28, 2013 in the auditorium at Rustburg High School officiated by the Rev. Sung Woon Yoo and the Rev. Steve Bird. Burial will take place at 3:00 p.m. in Kenbridge Heights Cemetery in Kenbridge, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests those wishing to make memorial contributions please consider, the Rustburg High School Athletic Boosters, 1671 Village Highway, Rustburg, VA 24588; Rustburg United Methodist Church General Fund, 664 Village Highway, Rustburg, VA 24588; or the Virginia High School League, 1642 State Farm Blvd, Charlottesville, VA 22911.

 Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg (434-237-9424) is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent by visiting: www.obituaries.tharpfuneralhome.com.

 

 

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