Bernard “Penny” Pendleton, the middle child of Charles “Charlie” Edward Pendleton and Della Taylor Pendleton, was born and raised in West Roanoke County. He passed peacefully at his beloved home place on Friday, November 14. He was the last surviving member of his family of seven siblings: Edward Lewis “Peanut” Pendleton, James Perry “Jimmy” Pendleton, Myrian Jane Czarnecki, Myra Belle Pendleton, Elizabeth Ann Pendleton, Frank Lee “Red” Pendleton, and Harold “Hap” Pendleton.Following his honorable discharge from the Marine Corps as a Corporal in 1950, a friend handed him an application for an Apprentice Lineman position through the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.He became a Journeyman Lineman through the I B E W and worked in the industrial electrical trade until a serious accident changed his path. Bernard served as President of I B E W Local 637 for sixteen (16) years, championing benefits and union wages while encouraging young men to pursue and complete the Electrician’s Apprenticeship Program. Upon his passing, he had been a member of the I B E W for 76 years.
He was employed by Johnson Controls for 20 years during the Cold War and later founded Pendleton Electric, serving industrial businesses throughout Central and Southwest Virginia until December 31, 1999.
He loved his country, family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, history, and when they were winning, the NY Yankees.
He is survived by his daughter Patricia “Pat” Pendleton Larmet and her husband Andre. His two grandsons are Jonathan Patrick Bloodworth and his wife Amanda and Byron Pendleton Bloodworth and his wife Elise. He is also survived by his four great grandchildren Taylor, Lily, Colton, and Boone. Additional survivors include his brother in law Larry Dickerson and his wife Pat along with Walter Dickerson and numerous nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held at Lotz Funeral Home in Salem on Saturday November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a m with a funeral service following at 12 noon. Burial will take place afterward at Sherwood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, plant a tree, preferably a hardwood, or sponsor a young person to attend a technical school.
A special tribute is extended to his caregivers Barbara York, Karen Foster, Tay Logan, Kathy Johnson, and Carilion Hospice.
