Roll Call Tribute

Beck Funeral Home obituary
15709 Ranch Road 620 North
Austin, Texas 78717
(512) 244-3772
info@beckchapels.com

Robert Keith Pendergrass, Sr.
September 15, 1924 - June 21, 2018

Robert Keith Pendergrass, MD was the son of Lee Roy Pendergrass and Helena Slezinsky Pendergrass.

Born September 15, 1924 in Kingsville, Texas in Kleberg County

Died June 21, 2018 in Austin, Texas in Williamson County

Proceeded in death by both parents and an older brother and best friend, William Watus Pendergrass.

Survived by his wonderful and beloved wife of 67 years, Mary Virginia Smith Pendergrass and four children, Robert Keith Pendergrass and wife Juli, Mary Virginia Lannen and husband Rick, Henry Lee Pendergrass and wife Coleen, Peter William Pendergrass and wife Desiree; and 9 grandchildren, Virginia, John, R.H., Anna, Sarah, Peter, Katie, Abby, Annie; and 3 great-grandchildren; and his sister Helen Marie Armstrong; and 3 nieces; and a Swedish exchange student, Janne Zetterqvist, who he considered a very dear member of the family and his Swedish son.

Robert Keith Pendergrass began Texas A&M College at the age of 16 in 1941 after graduating early from Crozier Technical High School in downtown Dallas where he served as Commander of the Dallas County ROTC. He was one of the few cadets to be admitted to the Singing Cadets at TAMC as a first semester freshman. Until his death he cherished a life-long love of singing and all forms of music. Both he and his brother were regular live performers on the WRR Gospel Hour in Dallas. On Monday, December 8, (the day after the attack on Pearl Harbor) he volunteered in the United States Army and was given a deferred induction until the end of the school year in 1942.

The U.S. Army assigned him to the medical core and sent him to Ohio State University to complete his undergraduate degree and then to the University of Michigan Medical School for his MD degree. He was given an honorable discharge from the Army. After completing his surgical residency at Baylor Hospital in Dallas, Texas he reenlisted in the Unites States Air Force to aid the Korean War effort.

While in the United States Air Force he served as Chief of Surgery for the 3555th Medical Group at Perrin Air Force Base in Sherman, Texas and then Commander of the 3645th Medical Group and Hospital at Laughlin Air Force Base in Del Rio, Texas.

From 1953 to 1980 he was in private practice as a general family physician and surgeon in Pittsburg, Texas in Camp County where frequent house calls were the norm. During this time he served as the Medical Director for the Medical and Surgical Hospital of Camp County. He also found time to serve as Clinical Assistant Professor Comprehensive Care for LSU Medical School and Summer Preceptor Faculty for Vanderbilt University Medical School. He found it a great joy to serve the sick and poor in rural East Texas where he also worked tirelessly to eradicate racial bigotry. In 1964, he rand and won a seat on the Pittsburg School Board to ensure the full integration of the Pittsburg public school system.

While in Pittsburg, Texas he was a member of Rotary International and began raising registered Polled Herefords.

In 1981 he and his wife, Mary, moved to Austin, Texas where he served as the Deputy Commissioner for Health Policy and Programs, and Special Assistant for Health Affairs for the Texas Department of Human Resources.

He then joined National Heritage Insurance Company and EDS (Electronic Data Systems) in Austin, Texas where he served as Vice President and Medical Director of NHIC, Medical Advisor for EDS Health Plan, and Medical Advisor for EDS Federal, Kentucky Medicaid Program.

While managing the Medicaid program for the State of Texas, Governor Clements appointed him to lead the interim study on organ transplants.

While in Austin, Texas he and his wife attended St. David’s Episcopal Church and developed many loving relationships with very dear souls. He also was a founding member of the Bob Bullock Museum. Some of his ancestors dated back in Texas before it was a republic. He was very proud of Texas and the rich history of this great state. Any friends or acquaintances who visited Austin were always given rich tours of the Bob Bullock Museum.

After retiring at the age of 72, he taught himself Spanish becoming fluent. He also took up oil painting and produced dozens of paintings; several of which he painted for his many grandchildren.

At the age of 90 he wrote, “My primary daily goal is to take care of my wife deserving of my best as we continue our march, hand-in-hand, until our clarion call arrives to rejoin our souls through Christ into our Creator’s eternity.”

He found life thrilling and rewarding with more blessings than he ever anticipated. He summed up his prayer of thanks with “To God Be the Glory.”




In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made, in memory of Robert Pendergrass, to:

Austin Chamber Music

Austin Classical Guitar

Or

The Bob Bullock Museum


Arrangements under the care of
Beck Funeral Home & Cremation Services
Austin/Round Rock
512-244-3772


Service Schedule

Graveside Service

12:30 PM ,Tuesday, June 26, 2018
Austin Memorial Park
2800 Hancock Drive Austin,, TX, Travis 78731
Click Here view a map.


Memorial Service

2:00 PM ,Tuesday, June 26, 2018
St. David's Episcopal Church
301 E. 8th Street Austin,, TX 78701
Click Here view a map.