Mr. George R. Pendergrass, 63, of Claremont, NC, peacefully passed away on Monday, June 29, 2020, after an extended illness. George was born on April 23, 1957, to Franklin Lee and Carolyn Hames Pendergrass in Rutherfordton, NC. George graduated from Bunker Hill High School, Haywood Technical Community College, and Western Carolina University. He also received his Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He was an educator/coach in the North Carolina school system and retired as an agent with the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources. Later in life, he was self-employed as an independent environmental quality consultant.

Preceded by his father in death, George is survived by his mother Carolyn Pendergrass, daughter Kaleigh Osborn (Garrett), grandsons Greyson and Chad Osborn, brother Steve Pendergrass (Renee), step-mother Estelle Pendergrass, and sister Leah Pendergrass. He is also survived by extended family members and many dear friends. The family would also like to thank the medical services of Catawba County and Burke County Hospice for their assistance during this time.

McMahan's Funeral Home of Rutherfordton, NC, is assisting the family. A memorial service is to be planned for a later date due to current COVID-19 restrictions. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Riverside Lodge, PO Box 513, Catawba, NC, 28609 in care of their annual "Ham Day" charity.