William Baxter Pendleton, III

WILLIAM B. PENDLETON III William Baxter Pendleton III was born November 2, 1930 in his grandmother's New Swan Hotel in Duncan Oklahoma and passed away very early Sunday morning, November 17, 2019, two weeks after his 89th birthday. His parents were William Baxter and Eva Gay (Buckholts) Pendleton II, both of Duncan. Through his father's lineage, he was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution; and through his mother's, The Choctaw Nation. In 1956, after serving in the US Army/Counter Intelligence Corps, he moved to Inglewood California where he met and soon married BettyLou Dennison, a graduate of Pepperdine University. He first attended Cameron Community College in Cameron Oklahoma, then the University of Oklahoma, where, as a sophomore, he earned his varsity letter in distance running. He continued to excel in running at the University of Portland, earning a track scholarship there as well. He was a graduate of the University of Portland, held a Master's degree from Pepperdine University, and earned a doctorate in Education from the University of Southern California. Bill's entire career was spent in education, first as a classroom science teacher, then as an activities director and vice-principal at Morningside High School in Inglewood CA. During those years, Bill also served as the varsity track and field coach, his teams winning numerous league championships and individual state-level championship medals. In 1976, he moved his family to Tulare CA to become principal of Tulare Union High School. He ultimately served as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the Tulare Joint Union High School District, retiring in 1999. Throughout his long career in education, Bill acted as an advocate for all students, challenging them to perform at their highest levels whether on the field or in the classroom. In retirement, he was an adjunct-professor for Chapman and Brandman Universities. He also served for several years on his community's board of directors and on the board of directors for Christian Church Homes, a nonprofit organization providing housing for low income seniors age 62 and over. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, two sons (William B. IV and John David), eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, one sister (Barbara Gay Blakeley), two nieces and three grand-nephews, with one son (James Matthew) having passed away in 2011 and a sister (Carolyn Sue) in 2003. Bill will be remembered for his love of education, gardening, sports, the southern California beaches, exercising, reading aloud with his wife, his kindness and generosity, wit and smile, strong love for his family, and, most especially, his love for our Lord. He was a member of The Fountain Christian Church, Visalia CA. Celebration of Life Services will be held at 10:00 AM on December 7, 2019 at the Fountain Christian Church, 1023 North Chinowth Street, Visalia CA 93291. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Samaritan's Purse at www.samaritanspurse.org under the name of William B. Pendleton III.

William Baxter Pendleton, III

November 2, 1930 - November 17, 2019