Evansville, IN – Ronnie E. Pendley, 76, of Evansville, Indiana, passed away on Monday, August 29, 2022 at Majestic Care in Newburgh, Indiana. He was born on April 7, 1946 in Morton’s Gap, Kentucky to the late Cecil and Melva Pendley.
Ronnie led an adventurous life filled with rappelling, mountain biking, scuba diving, spelunking and racing Enduro motorcycles. He also enjoyed farming cattle, camping and anything else involving the outdoors.
He was a member of the Evansville Bike Club, the International Mountain Bike Association and the Evansville Mountain Bike Association.
Ronnie is survived by his wife, Beverly (Hammers) Pendley; his children, Kevin Pendley (Ann) and Eric Pendley (Angie); 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and his sister, Carroll Heydinger (Ed).
He is preceded in death by his step-son, Brian Sizemore and his nephew, Glenn Heydinger.
A memorial service will be at the Connection Church on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 with visitation hours from 1:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M., services starting at 6:00 P.M. The church is located at 3700 Kansas Rd. in Evansville, Indiana.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Evansville Bike Club in Ronnie’s name.
Simple Cremation Evansville is entrusted with care.
Judy Wallace says
Ronnie was a great brother-in-law. His love for the great outdoors was amazing, and all he accomplished there. We enjoyed going to the farm in Kentucky that he and Bev managed for several years. He was also very good in technology, installing alarm systems for many businesses in Evansville. It was always so interesting to hear about all the outdoor activities he was enjoying at that time. Ronnie was so kind and loved by the family and many others whose lives he affected. He will be missed by all of us. May God bless those same people.
Diane Bies says
Ron was such a fun man to be around. His storytelling will be missed. What an adventurer who survived so much! He will be remembered.
Dave Ashworth says
I’m honored to have called Ron my friend for 50 years. We met on a trail in Warrick county while riding dirt bikes. Eventually racing in enduros together while camping with the families. It seems that we were always living Ron’s story’s. Caving in Illinois with families Ron had me rappel into 50 ft sinkhole, unfortunately I didn’t ask how I was going to get out until on the bottom. That’s when I learned how to climb a rope.
Ron later influenced me to join the Evansville Bicycle Club. His stories were a driving force in the last club ride to Florida. One memory was riding in the rain on the second day and in a truck stop, Ron was filling his shoes with hot water to warm his feet.
Ron also talked me into trying mountain biking and that led to many rides in LBL and New Harmony and one trip to Nantahala.
I will miss him.
John Nelli says
Ron introduced me to mountain biking and I have the scars on my shins to prove it. People have a lot to thank him for developing the trails in this entire region when mountain biking was in its infancy. The trails you are riding on today are a direct result of his efforts and love of the outdoors. God speed, Ron, and bless you and your family.
Gary and Opal Gardner says
When we first joined the Bicycle Club there was nobody more welcoming than Ron. He was always willing to shape his ride around a new member. He told such captivating stories about prior EBC rides. He was a great friend and a fantastic person. Ron, we’ll miss you and your welcoming smile. RIP, friend.
Paul Sluder says
May you rest in peace, Ron. So many memories of cycling with you over the years. Blessings to your family.
Paul & Sharon Sluder
David Chessor says
My condolences to the Pendley family. Ron truly loved and was very proud of his family. I felt I knew his family before I even met his family. Ron was a pioneer in the electronic security world. He was very sharp and loved challenges. I was truly blessed to get to work with him and learn from him. His work and impact will be seen around the Tristate area for many years to come. I am so sorry I was not able to make the service or the visitation.