Michael Edward Pendrick, 102 of Magnolia, Arkansas passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, Oct. 19, surrounded by his family.
Mike was born November 20, 1920, in Whitney, Pa., to the late Joseph Pendrick and Anna Szavinsky Pendrick. Mike grew up in Trauger, Pa., later moving to Belding, Mich., to work for one of his brothers who owned a tool and die business. There he met the love of his life of over 71 years, Lucille, at a skating rink. Mike was an avid skater and ice skater. Even though he never competed, you would’ve thought he was a professional.
At the age of 22 he enlisted in the Army where he spent over 3 years stationed in Central Europe serving as a Staff Sergeant during WWII. Upon discharge in 1946, he received the American Theater Ribbon, EAME Theater Ribbon with 2 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and the Victory Medal World War II.
After returning home to Michigan, Mike decided that he was tired of shoveling snow. He packed up his wife and his twin daughters and moved them to Magnolia, Arkansas in the summer of 1965 to work for his good friend and founder of Southern Extrusions, later known as Howmet.
For years after retirement, Mike drove cars transporting them for Jordan Brothers. Mike spent much of his extra time fixing golf carts, gardening, doing woodwork and making birdhouses or reindeer. He enjoyed fishing for fish in his friends' ponds and fishing out golf balls in the ponds at the Magnolia Country Club. He enjoyed starting off all the golf tournaments on the microphone with “Hit when you're ready!” a saying that people knew him by. For many years, Mike dedicated much of his time to his main project “The Haunted House” located at the fairgrounds. He even received KVMA Citizen of the week in November 1997 for all of his hard work.
There are a few places that you could always find Mike; in the stands at a Panther Ballgame, on the bench by the Wal-Mart exit, or in the crowd watching the Columbia County Hayride at KZHE. He was a proud supporter of everything going on in the community and anything that involved his grandchildren.
Last but not least, Mike was a strong Christian man. Even at the age of 100 he was still kneeling to pray at the foot of his bed with his rosary in his hand. He was a proud member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church. Mike took pride in his church and while he was able, he never missed an opportunity to take care of anything that needed attention and he never ever missed a service.
Mike is preceded in death by his parents; wife of 71 years Lucille Pendrick; grandson, Joseph Waters; and a host of brothers, sisters, half brothers and sisters and extended family.
Mike is survived by his daughters, Pam Miller of Olney, Illinois, Angie Waters and husband Mike of Magnolia; granddaughters, Morgan Miller of Vincennes, Indiana, Abby Alphin of Magnolia; great-grandchildren, Quinton Alphin, Peyton Mullins, and Phinley Waters; and brother Tom Pendrick of Greensburg, Pennsylvania. The family would like to especially thank Enhabit Hospice for the care given to Michael, and special caregivers, Lori Burris, Angel Jenkins, Demita Martin, Mashon Scott, Tomica Robinson, and Veronica Moss.
Funeral services were held October 23 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church with Father Michael Johns officiating. Burial with military honors will follow at follow at Memorial Park Cemetery under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, Inc. Visitation with the family will be Sunday evening from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home.
Donations may be made to Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 2114 North Jackson Street, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753 or Southern Arkansas University Foundation, PO Box 9174, Magnolia, AR 71754.
