Colonel William C. Pendleton III age 69 passed from this life to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday September 2 2012. He passed peacefully at Halifax Hospital Daytona Beach embraced by his loving wife Sheryl and daughter Amanda.

Bill was in the U.S. Army and last served as Garrison Commander Fort Bragg NC from 1989-1992 when he was medically retired after serving a proud 32 years in the Army he loved. He was known as a soldier's soldier a man of strength battling multiple cancers over 20 years. His determination to fight and always having hope has been an inspiration to many.

Born in Welch WV on August 1 1943 to the late Frederick Bittle and Virginia Lyons Pendleton he was raised in New Bern NC where he attended New Bern High School until he joined the Army in 1961.

Colonel Pendleton attended Officers Candidacy School in 1964 served with the 504th and the 505th at Fort Bragg NC. As commander of Company A 1st Battalion 27th Infantry in Vietnam Bill was severely wounded during the Tet Offensive in February 1968 requiring months of recovery at Fort Bragg's Womack Hospital. His love was the 82nd Airborne Division and he returned to serve in numerous assignments with the 508th Infantry and Division G-3 Air. He served for two years as Commander 1st Battalion 14th Infantry (Golden Dragons). After attending the US Army War College he served at Fort Stewart GA with the 24th Infantry then Fort Clayton Panama and finally returned to his beloved 82nd to serve with honor for three years as Fort Bragg's Garrison Commander.

Bill received a Bachelor's degree from University of Nebraska at Omaha and Master's degrees from Virginia Tech and University of Central Florida; attended the Armed Forces Staff College and the Army War College. His awards and decorations include the Silver Star Legion of Merit Bronze Star Purple Heart Meritorious Service Medal (4-oak leaf clusters) Army Commendation Medal Good Conduct Medal Combat Infantryman's Badge Master Parachutist's and Ranger Tab.

Following Bill's retirement he volunteered over 10 000 hours at the Daytona Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic and was actively involved in the Ormond Beach Youth Soccer league. He was an avid golfer; loved working on his 1963 Chevy Impala and was always known for his quick wit and infinite supply of jokes. He was passionate about history politics his family his dogs and most importantly his faith in Jesus Christ.

In addition to being survived by his loving wife Sheryl and daughter Amanda Pendleton of Gainesville FL; son Sergeant William C. Pendleton IV (Debra) of Schweinfurt Germany; daughters Jill Ference of Alto GA; and Amy Pendleton McDonough GA; beloved sisters: Penny Finney (Charles Toler) of New Bern NC; Martha McCain (Deck) of Nashville NC; Phoebe Bland (Hartley) of Morganton NC; and beloved brother Frederick Pendleton (Linda) of Zebulon NC.; three grandchildren Kyle Hilary and Caitlyn and many nieces and nephews.

Bill was provided great care and friendship by Dr. Richard Weiss and the staff at the Ormond Oncology Center Halifax Hospital. The family deeply appreciates the loving kindness shown. To aid in the care of oncology patients everywhere please consider donating to your local blood bank or Red Cross center as blood/plasma products are lifesaving treatments.

A Gathering in Bill's honor will be held Friday September 7 2012 from 3:00-4:00pm at Lohman Funeral Home Ormond. Memorial Service will follow at 4:00pm in the Lohman Funeral Home Ormond Chapel. Inurnment will be held September 14 at Sandhills State Veteran's Cemetery in Spring Lake NC with prayer service at Fort Bragg.