Charles Daniel Pendergraft

Charles Pendergraft, age 91, passed away in his family’s home on April 13, 2026. He was at peace after a weekend watching the Masters with his son, Brian, visiting with his nieces and favorite pets, and eating well with his family.

Charles was born on January 22, 1935, in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. The eldest of five, Charles and his siblings, spent most of their younger years in an orphanage. His childhood made him self-reliant, hardworking, and resilient - attributes that shaped his entire life.

He married the love of his life, Jean, in Cary, NC where their two sons were born and raised. Charles became a pillar in the, then, small town, as he diligently served his community and helped develop the heart of downtown Cary. He founded Modern Service Automotive in 1957 and was the owner and operator for decades. This small business was the place to be when you needed a car serviced, some sound advice, or a familiar face. Modern Service and Downtown Cary are a part of his legacy that he built with pride and perseverance.

Charles cared deeply for his society and gave his time in ways that strengthened the people around him. He devoted himself to coaching, sponsoring, and mentoring youth sports. He coached Pee Wee football and Little League baseball, sponsored Junior League baseball, and was inducted into the Cary High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003. In the neighborhood, the Pendergraft’s house was known as the place to be for a late-night basketball game in the driveway. He loved watching his sons play and coach basketball, but most enjoyed watching his two granddaughters play soccer and spoke of their successes, on and off the field, to everyone.

Charles was a man of great faith which served as a source of comfort throughout his entire life. He loved making coffee for his Sunday school and sharing his spirituality with anyone who needed support. He will be especially remembered for the Cary Shriner's, and the Young Men's Bible Class at First United Methodist in Cary. Charles was a caregiver in the truest form. He was fiercely loyal to his loved ones, including caring for his beloved wife in her battle with breast cancer and continued to care for his mother-in-law after Jean’s passing. Charles adored Jean’s art as a watercolorist and supported her painting and philanthropy work across the state.

Charles could fix or build anything, made the best pecan pie, and never met a stranger. He bonded with Brian, over the outdoors, camping, and animals, and instilled his love of the Carolina coast in his granddaughters. Charles shared stories abundantly with his dry sense of humor, contagious laugh, and genuine curiosity. His most cherished time was spent outside in his yard with his dog, Gibson, as he cared for the earth and her creatures. Charles admired and nurtured any plant life, bird, or animal that he came across – including his favorite white deer Oatmeal who lives at Brian’s home.

Charles was preceded in death by his wife, Jean Hillard Pendergraft; and siblings, William Pendergraft, Sandy Pendergraft, Patricia Parks, and Dixie Gray.

He is survived by his sons, Charles David Pendergraft and Brian Keith Pendergraft, Brian’s wife, Yasmin, his grandchildren, Alexis and Brianna, and many nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 200 Southeast Maynard Road, Cary, NC 27511, on Monday, April 20, 2026, at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends immediately following the celebration at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, Charles would love your donations be made to an animal shelter like Wake County Animal Center (https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/animal-services/how-help/animal-center-donations), or Saving Grace (https://savinggracenc.org/give/), Interact of Wake County Women’s Shelter (https://interactofwake.org/donate/), or a local orphanage.