Joey Wayne Pendarvis was born the son of Joddie R. Pendarvis and Trecie E. Robinson Pendarvis on March 8, 1949, in the home, in Mammoth Spring, Ark., and departed this life on Oct. 14, 2018, at Cox South Hospital in Springfield, due to injuries sustained from an accident on his farm in Mammoth Spring, Ark., at the age of 69 years, seven months and six days.
He is survived by his wife, Daphene Pulley Pendarvis, of Mammoth Spring, Ark.; three children, Jolie Washam and husband Bradley of Mammoth Spring, Ark., Julie Rich and husband Larry of Bono, Ark., Jody Pendarvis and wife, Andrea, of Harrison, Ark. God has blessed Joey with eight amazing granddaughters, Jaden Layne Rich, Halle Blaire Rich, Ava Claire Pendarvis, Brynn Olivia Washam, Carley Erin Rich, Brooklynn Grace Pendarvis, Braelyn Saige Dolores Washam, and Macie Danielle Pendarvis; one brother, Willis R. Pendarvis of Salem, Ark.; and one sister, Carol R. Johnson and husband, Don, of Koshkonong, Mo.; in addition to a host of nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dolores J. McGhee Pendarvis; his father and mother, Joddie and Trecie Pendarvis; and one sister, Kathryn Pendarvis.
Joey was raised on the family farm south of Many Islands, where he spent time learning to farm, make garden, raise animals, build fence, carpentry, work on machines and pretty much anything else he set his mind to conquer, which included various pranks and antics on his two sisters and brother, as well as, sharpening his quick wit and come back skills. He attended Mammoth Spring School, graduating in 1967. In February of 1969, he married a blonde headed, barrel racer become teacher, Dolores McGhee, and together they built a home five miles south of Mammoth Spring, Ark., where they raised their three children. Joey and Dolores were dedicated parents that built their social lives around their children’s interests. Joey coached many Little League softball and baseball teams, giving his time and care to the youth of the area. He made many lasting memories both for his players and fans, in addition to, many umpires and referees alike.
After Dolores passed in October of 2006, he began visiting with a high school friend, Daphene Pulley Bowers, and they were married in November of 2007. He spent the next 11 years with her, teaching her many new skills she needed to be a farmer’s wife (some of which she might not have cared too much to learn…).
In addition to the family farm, Joey earned his living working as an engineer/conductor, then Frisco, now Burlington Northern Santa Fe railroad. He retired in March of 2009 at the age of 60, after working 42 years for the company.
Joey knew how to work hard. Hard work at 150 miles per hour was his hobby. His vacation time and free time alike were spent in the hay field, working cattle, building fence, clearing trees with his “bulldozer” tractor and in later years, attending the various sporting and theater performances of his eight granddaughters. He was a devoted and dedicated husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a faithful member of the Mammoth Spring Church of Christ, as well as, a Vietnam War Veteran.
Joey will be remembered for his leadership, hard work, strong spirit and quick wit. His spirit and presence left an unforgettable first impression no matter whether it was positive or negative, you were going to remember your encounter with Joey Pendarvis. He would always give you his honest, “always correct” opinion of the situation. You knew where you stood with him. If you spent much time talking with him in his later years, he would tell you his greatest desire was to live as God’s word instructed so he could reach Heaven in his passing and be reunited with his loved ones gone on before.
He leaves behind many lasting fond memories for his loving family and friends. He will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, Oct. 18, 2018, at 2 p.m. at the Mammoth Spring Church of Christ with Brother Barry O’Dell officiating.
Interment was at the Thayer Cemetery with arrangements under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer.
