Many of the Society's out-of-town members were friends of Albert's. We realize that most of you do not take the Valdosta Daily Times, but would want to read his obituary taken from the Thursday, February 23, 2006 issue.

VALDOSTA
Albert Sidney Pendleton, Jr.

Albert Sidney Pendleton, Jr., 80 of Valdosta, passed away on February 21, 2006 at his residence after a lengthy illness. He was born March 15, 1925 in Valdosta to the late Albert Sidney Pendleton, Sr., and Helen Brown Pendleton. He was also preceded in death by his brother, William F. Pendleton.

He retired from the A. S. Pendleton Company, Southern Bell, Sunset Hill Cemetery Office and the Lowndes County Historical Society and Museum. He earned a bachelors degree at Valdosta State College in 1974. He served in World War from 1943 to 1945 and was seriously injured while fighting on a battlefield in Belgium.

He was a deacon and active at the First Baptist Church, the Little Theater, Valdosta Choral Guild, American Legion Home, Post No. 12, and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. He is well known for his interest in local history and in writing, producing many articles for The Valdosta Daily Times, Way Back When column. He co-authored the book, In Search of the Hollidays with Susie McKey Thomas and he wrote two cemetery plays, the plays, Many Mansions and Cains and Abels, and the book for the musical, Baze.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years Leona Redles Pendleton, his five children: Catherine Pendleton, Andy Pendleton and wife Janine, John Pendleton and wife Brenda, Melissa P. Miller, Helen Pendleton, and seven grand children, four great grandchildren and four step-great grandchildren. Two sisters, Clyde Joyner and Frances McLaughlin, nieces and nephews also survive him.

Albert S. Pendleton, Jr. (1925 - 2006) was our Editorial Advisor and author of countless stories capturing Valdosta's and Lowndes County's history. Albert started out working for The A.S. Pendleton Company, a family owned wholesale grocery company belonging to his grandfather. He held several position, working his way up from clerk to president. On Oct. 15, 1953 Alber married Leona Redles. They had 5 children, 7 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild. After 27 years with his grandfather's company he went to work for BellSouth, retiring after 12 years. In addition, he went to Valdosta State University, earning a Bachelors Degree in English in 1974. He served in World War II from 1943 - 1945, and was severely injured while fighting on a battlefield in Germany.

Albert wrote the first newsletter on November 15, 1971 and continued until 2005. While working at the Museum, he held almost every position: curator, archivist, director, and newsletter editor.

His love for writing did not only reflect in the work he did for the Museum, he was also the author of several plays and books. The first play he wrote, "Many Mansions", was produced in Valdosta. He was the author of the play "Canes and Abels" and two cemetery plays, "Along The Path Of Paradise" and "Paradise Revisited". The books he wrote are "In Search of the Hollidays", together with Susan McKey Thomas, and the book for the musical "Baze", which features the music by Botie Chitty.

He started writing a weekly column for The Valdosta Daily Times in 1994. Most of these articles are comprised in Volume I and II and III of "Way Back When", which can be purchased at the Museum.

A selection of Albert's "Way Back When's" is availiable for your enjoyment on this Web Site. Just click on the down arrow beside the box below and then select the one you would like to read. If you like what you read, and we are sure you will, please come by the Museum and purchase the complete set.