RED BAY, AL – James Murl Pendergraph, 52, died Thursday, February 4, 2021 at the Red Bay Hospital. He was born in Red Bay, AL and was the first special needs student to graduate from Red Bay High School, where he received a standing ovation. He was voted Best All Around by the Senior Class of 1991. He loved competing in Special Olympics where he received many awards and was chosen to light the torch for the 1991 Special Olympics. He was voted to be Mr. Sarah Dinsmore at the Sarah Dinsmore Center in Red Bay. He was a true Alabama fan but was easily swayed when a pretty girl was around. He attended New Union Missionary Baptist Church and Cornerstone Church of God.
Services will be Sunday, February 7, 3:30 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home Chapel, Red Bay, AL with Jarod Massey and Brent Collum officiating. Burial will be in Ridge Cemetery, Golden, MS. Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL will be in charge of arrangements.
He is survived by his sister – Dianne Pendegraph (Brandon); two nieces – Grace Pendegraph and Harlee Raper; three nephews – Chanler Raper (Nicole), Brock Raper (Laken) and Brett Raper; great-nieces – Ava and Audrey Raper; great-nephew – Baby Boy Raper; two aunts – Helen Hall and Inez Mims; two uncles – Johnny Graham and Leo Pendergraph; brother-in-law – Dennis Raper; special families- Shewbart family, Elliott family, Lindsey family and McKinney family; a host of cousins and very special friends who made his life special and two half-sisters – Melinda Pendegraph and Michelle Cain.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Thomas and Wanda Graham Pendergraph, Jr. and a brother, Thomas Pendergraph.
Pallbearers will be Dennis Raper, Tracy Elliott, Brent Collum, Tra Elliott, Cody Tucker and Cody Palmer. Honorary pallbearers will be Chanler Raper, Brock Raper and Grace Pendegraph.
Special thanks to his Dinsmore Center family, Peggy Vick and his many girlfriends that he loved through the years, even simultaneously!
Visitation will be Saturday, February 6, 6-9 p.m. at Deaton Funeral Home, Red Bay, AL.
