Henry "Hank" Lee Pendergrass

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Henry "Hank" Pendergrass, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. Hank was born on May 27, 1957, in North Carolina, and was called to heaven on June 29, 2024, in Southern California.

Hank was the devoted husband of Diann Pendergrass for 44 years and a loving father to sons Joseph, Anthony, Vincent, Dominic, and daughter Chyann Pendergrass/Kolopeaua. He took tremendous pride in his role as a grandfather to Joseph, Jr. (JJ), Jessalyn, Anthony, Jr., Jayke, Gunnar, Jasper, Roger, Zion, Koa Pendergrass, and granddaughter Annie Lee Kolopeaua. His memory will live on in their hearts forever, and those of his daughters-in-law Jennifer and Jessica Pendergrass, his son-in-law Paula Kolopeaua, and soon-to-be daughter-in-law Grace Gonzell, and family members Vanessa Vasquez, and Jordan Ramos.

Hank was predeceased by his mother, Annie Lee Pendergrass, his father, Joseph Brooks Pendergrass, his brother Richard Pendergrass, and his sister, Nellie Deal.

Hank proudly served in the Marine Corps from January 1, 1975, to January 1, 1979, before continuing his dedication in the reserves until January 1, 1981. His service was a testament to his commitment to duty and country, leaving a lasting legacy of honor and valor.

Hank held various roles throughout his career, including delivery man, truck driver, ice cream man, and a custodian at Westminster and Edison High Schools. He dedicated 17 years of service as a media technician at Marina High School, where he was honored twice as Employee of the Year. Hank retired from HBUHSD on December 1, 2023.

A man of simple pleasures, Hank loved hot dogs, hamburgers, and anything chocolate "sweets" and was rarely seen without a Diet Coke or his Marine Corps hydro flask in his hand. Hank was a dedicated follower of Jesus and lived his life according to the Bible. Hank also found joy in the music of old-school gospel hymns, Carrie Underwood, and country music. As most know, Hank's favorite TV shows included Gun Smoke, Let's Make a Deal, The Price is Right, and Wicked Tuna. But who could forget, every morning Hank would livestream the Huntington Beach Pier.

Hank was a good ole country boy and lover of the outdoors. His favorite recreational activities were days at the beach, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed scanning the beach as a form of exercise and found joy in his favorite vacation spots: Hawai'i, Orlando, Alaska, Mexico, South Dakota, and North Carolina. Hank would often be found volunteering and teaching in the children's ministry at Cottonwood Church. He was a familiar face at his children's sporting events, where Hank could be found coaching, umpiring Little League Baseball, refereeing basketball, volunteering wherever he could, and always enthusiastically watching and cheering them on. Hank was always actively involved with Marina and Westminster High School's extracurricular activities, which included football games, dances, firework stands, Christmas tree lots, basketball games, graduations, wrestling tournaments, and every other school event imaginable—Hank was there.

Remembered by many as Humorous, Loving, kind-hearted, Friendly, Trustworthy, Resilient, Hard Working, and God Fearing, Hank’s colorful personality brightened the world around him. For those who knew Hank, they knew he could light up any room he walked into. His lessons of putting God first, standing up for what you believe in, not sweating the small stuff, and living life to the fullest will continue to inspire all who knew him.

With an abundance of flowers already received, which the family is extremely grateful for, the family has instead requested for donations to help with unexpected recent medical bills due to a change of insurance and final expenses using the following site: https://everloved.com/life-of/henry-pendergrass/donate/.

His favorite color, purple, will always remain as a loving memory of Hank. With strength, humor, love, and faith, Hank courageously battled lung cancer for 7 and a half years, but you wouldn't have guessed it from his energetic and happy-go-lucky attitude.

As Hank would say, "Howdy Ya'll, I made it to Jesus".

A memorial service will be held on July 27th, 2024 at Westminster Memorial Park Mortuary at 2:30pm