Major Haynes Franklin Pendergrass

Major Haynes Franklin Pendergrass, 78, was rewarded with his heavenly home on October 28, 2016, after a courageous six month battle with brain cancer.

Mr. Pendergrass was raised in the Holston Community in Sullivan County and graduated from Holston High School in 1955. He was a member of Cassidy United Methodist Church for 52 years, taught the Jr. High Sunday School class for 40 years, and served on numerous committees. Mr. Pendergrass began working for the United Intermountain Telephone Company (Sprint) as a young man and continued with the company through his retirement.

Haynes served 23 years in the Tennessee Army National Guard from 1962 until 1985. He attended the Tennessee Military Academy and graduated from Command and General Staff College in Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Had he not retired early, he would have been qualified for Brigadier General. Haynes was the commanding officer of the Kingsport Unit of the National Guard.

In his personal life, Haynes was an avid farmer. He took great pride in developing Indian Brook Farm (a Tennessee Century Farm) and raising Polled Hereford cattle. As 4-H'ers, his children showed cattle all across the Southeast. Haynes was a Farm Bureau member for several years and was currently serving on the Board of Directors. Every year he planted a big garden and enjoyed harvesting and preserving it to share with others. He was a skilled woodworker and took great joy in making things to share with his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Roy and Margaret Cross Pendergrass; sister, Catherine (Kelly) Bradshaw, Jr.; and brother, Reverend Roy Pendergrass.

Mr. Pendergrass is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jewell Hudson Pendergrass; children, Bill (Cathy) Pendergrass, Lisa (Gary) Rupert and Wendi (Craig) Niebruegge; special nephew, Jack (Vivian) Bradshaw; grandchildren, Erica (Jim Bowie) Adcock, Aaron (Alyssa) Faith, Andy and Dusty Pendergrass, Alyssa and Gabriella Rupert and Emma Grace, Rachel and Maggie Niebruegge; great-grandchildren, Layla Jewell Pendergrass and Raylee Faith; sister-in-law, Joyce Pendergrass; niece and nephew, Robin and Scott.

The family will receive friends beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, October 31, 2016, at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport.

Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 1, 2016, at Cassidy United Methodist Church with Tom Hancock officiating.

Burial will follow in Gunnings Cemetery with Military Honors provided by American Legion Posts 3/265.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cassidy United Methodist Church Communication Committee for a new church sign fund.