ROCK ISLAND – Robert (Pretty Bob) A. Pendergrass, 91, of Rock Island, died Tuesday, September 1, 2015, at home, with his family by his side.

Services in celebration of his life will be at 11 a.m., Wednesday, September 9, 2015, at Second Baptist Church, 919 - 6th Avenue, Rock Island, IL. Visitation will be prior to the service at 10 a.m. with a Masonic tribute. Burial will be at National Cemetery, Rock Island Arsenal, where military honors will be conducted. Orr’s Mortuary, Rock Island, is handling arrangements. Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association.

Robert Alexander Pendergrass was born February 18, 1924 in Flint, Michigan, the proud son of Henry and Magnolia (Vincent) Pendergrass. He was raised in Statham, Georgia. He was a U.S. Air Force WW II Veteran. He settled in Rock Island, IL in 1952. 

He married Lola M. Bates in 1962. She preceded him in death. He later married Dianna Cavitt, on November 8, 1994.

Bob retired from Brammer’s Manufacturing, Davenport, IA in 1986. He also was a bartender at several of the Iowa/Illinois golf course country clubs. He worked as the manager of the Camel’s Nest (Shrine’s Temple). He and his wife were the owners and operators of the Last Chance Lounge, Rock Island, until March 2014. He was always willing to lend a helping hand. Bob loved golfing, poker, fancy cars, and fine clothes, and walked five miles every morning at Sunset Park.

He was a member of King Solomon Lodge No. 20, Tri-Cities Consistory No. 82, Ancient Egyptian Arabic Order Noble Mystic Shrine of the North and South American and its Jurisdictions Inc. Masqat #141, and served as Illustrious Potentate for Masqat #141.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife, Dianna; his daughter, Sally Houston, Houston, TX; Granddaughter, Erica Houston, Houston, TX; nephews, Donnie (Melinda) Long, McDonough, Georgia, Tim (JoAnn) Long, Statham, Georgia, and Charles (Linda) Long, Statham, Georgia; Aunt, Ollie (Bryant) Smith, Dublin, Georgia; great nephew(s), great niece(s), numerous cousins, his extended family (Jackson, Daniels, Stegall, Tatum, Williams),and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Emma Long.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.orrsmortuary.com