Paul Kenneth Pendleton's Obituary
Paul Kenneth Pendleton, 59, lost his battle with cancer on October 12th, 2023, at his home in Marietta, GA. He is survived by his parents, Wendell and Betty Lou Pendleton of Madison, GA, his brother Mark Pendleton and wife Michelle of Austell, GA, and his sister Karen Granitz and husband Mallory of Siloam, GA. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews, as well as close friends who will miss him.
Paul boldly lived his life on his own terms, taking on numerous challenges with success, and pursuing whatever made him happy. The family would like to thank all of Paul’s closest friends, including AGAPE Hospice Care, for the outpouring of friendship, servanthood, and genuine love during his Cancer journey. It has truly been an inspiring thing to witness.
Paul was born in East St. Louis, Illinois, January 24, 1964, and the family moved to Georgia in 1969. In his younger years, he attended Hollydale Elementary School in Marietta where he made many friends, and played baseball, basketball, and football for the Rec Department. Paul was also very musically talented and showed advanced academic intelligence at an early age. He attended McEachern JR/SR where he excelled in academics, band, and musical theatre. His first love was playing the drums, and he became the youngest student to ever make the Snare Drum for McEachern’s famous High School Drum Corps. Paul played all four years of high school, and was Drum Line Captain his senior year. He was also a talented singer, and participated in chorus and advanced ensemble, singing all over the southeast. He took part in the Math Team, was captain of the Academic Bowl Team, was highly active in school functions, and was named Most Talented. With the highest SAT score in the entire school, he was of course named Star Student.
After graduating high school in 1982, Paul went on to graduate from Kennesaw College with a degree in Music. He tried, and succeeded, in learning to play any instrument put in front of him - except for the bagpipes which he could never quite conquer. In his adult years, Paul was widely Known for his voice and musical talent. Known by his stage name “Pendlejam”, he was sought after by many local bands and venues, and could often be found playing or singing at local weddings and events. Every weekend found him on some stage, somewhere, doing what made him the happiest. His love for drums eventually led him to pursue teaching. He mentored countless young drum students over the years, and passed on his knowledge and love for music to so many of them. They became his greatest joy.
Paul also loved to play Golf with friends, and eventually discovered his talent for Disc Golf. He grew to love this sport, and played all over the southeast, including participating in many tournaments. His wide range of talents were truly inspiring! Paul was a dog lover, and although he had numerous companions over the years, his Sammy Lou of 17 yrs. and his Lily of 14 yrs. were his favorites. He had a long successful career in Insurance Adjusting, and worked until his body would no longer allow him to.
Cancer and it’s treatments robbed him of so many pleasures in life, including the use of his hands and feet. This eventually took away his ability to do the things he most loved with the people he enjoyed being with. We will remember him for who he was before this horrible evil took control of his body – a son, a brother, a teacher, a musician, and a good friend to many.
Gone but never forgotten.
A Celebration of Life Service for Paul will be held on Sunday, October 22nd 3:30 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home, located at 1975 East-West Connector, Austell, GA, 30106. The family will receive friends before the service from 2:00 - 3:30 PM.
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