Billy Wayne Pendergraft, 86, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on March 4, 2025.
He was born in Huntsville, Alabama, to Lorene Giles Pendergraft and Frazier Pendergraft. He graduated from S.R. Butler High School in 1956. In 1957 he met and married the love of his life, Suzanne Hunt.
Billy worked for General Shoe Company (GENESCO) from 1957-2005. During that time he became the Director of Industrial Engineering, receiving the SARA Award (Special Achievement and Recognition Award), the highest award given in Industrial Engineering. He was the plant manager at GENESCO in Fayetteville, TN. when he retired in 2005.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lorene and Frazier Pendergraft, wife, Suzanne Hunt Pendergraft, and sister, Jean Lyons.
Billy is survived by his sons, Greg Pendergraft, Barry Pendergraft (Sandy), daughter Julie Speer (Brian), grandchildren Kelly Pendergraft Sisk (Stephen Fritze), Brandon Tuttle (Emma), Scott Tuttle, Forrest Tuttle (Sarah), David Speer, Jason Speer, and Eric Speer, great-grandchildren Aubrey Sisk, Luke Sisk, Kyleigh Sisk, Jack Tuttle, Owen Tuttle, and Lucie Tuttle, sister Gail Sellers, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Marshall Schreeder, Dr. Prasana Allada, and Heartlite Hospice for their exceptional care.
Visitation will be from 12:00pm until 2:00pm at Spry Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow starting at 2:00pm led by Pastor Alan Crawford. Burial will immediately follow the funeral service at Maple Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Brandon Tuttle, Scott Tuttle, Forrest Tuttle, David Speer, Jason Speer, and Eric Speer.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oak Park Baptist Church located at 2105 Cloys Ave. NE Huntsville, AL, 35811.
