Nicky Ray Pendleton

Nicky Ray Pendleton, 61, beloved husband, father, brother, and friend, went home to be with his Lord on August 22, 2024 in Arlington, Texas, surrounded by family and friends.

Nicky was born January 20, 1963, in Amarillo, Texas, to Olin Webster Pendleton, Jr. and Betty Mayree Martin Pendleton. He graduated from Grand Prairie High School and worked in the aerospace-manufacturing industry for 35 years beginning in 1987 and continuing until his retirement in 2022. His last employer in this field was PCC Aerostructures-Progressive in Arlington, Texas where he had been a line supervisor.

As he loved to relate, Nicky joyfully became a Christian on January 24 on the Friday evening before the 1997 Super Bowl, and being born again, he boldly proclaimed his faith for the rest of his life.

A decisive man of his times, Nicky conducted a whirlwind courtship of Lucy Touthang, the love of his life, following their introduction by a mutual Christian friend, and Lucy and Nicky were married on January 14, 2012 in Imphal, India. They relocated immediately to Grand Prairie, Texas, where they lived several years before moving to Mansfield in 2015.

During the first years of their marriage, the Lord blessed Lucy and Nicky with his greatest sources of joy, daughters Ruth and Phoebe. Also during this time, the Pendletons sought out and became active members of the Grace Community Church in Arlington.

In mid-2021, Nicky was discovered to have advanced-stage colon/liver cancer. This daunting diagnosis changed his life but it did not dominate him. He was a fighter to the end, inspiring friends and family with his courage, determination, and devotion to his family and faith. Forced by his illness to retire in 2022, he continued to pursue his passions and care for others. He loved teaching, especially in Bible studies and as an ESL instructor at Grace Community Church, playing with his children, fishing, and debating. He could fix anything and would happily spend hours in passionate, enlightened discussion on any number of topics, but he especially loved talking about Jesus to any and all.

Nicky was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Randy and Mark, and sister, Patti Pendleton Box. He is survived by his wife, Lucy, his daughters, Ruth (age 10) and Phoebe (age 8), his brothers, Roger and Brett, sister, Penni Pendleton, and by numerous nieces, nephews, and devoted friends.

A celebration of Nicky's life is to be held at the Grace Community Church, 801 W. Bardin Road, Arlington, Texas, Saturday, September 7, at 3:00pm. Graveside service will be at the Wheeler Cemetery, Wheeler, Texas, Monday, September 9, 2:00pm.