Austin Alex Pendley of Maggie Valley, NC, was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who passed away Tuesday, March 9, 2010 while at his winter home in Fort Myers, Fla. He was 72.Austin began his career with "Tommy Bartlett Water Show" in
Wisconsin Dells. He managed the "Silver Springs Deer Ranch" in Ocala, Fla. and later became general manager of "Ghost Town in the Sky" and "Frontierland" for 13 years. He and his wife Sue purchased "Maggie Mountaineer Crafts" and "Smokey Mountain Crafts" in 1976. Austin was on the Tourist Development Authority Board, past President of the Maggie Valley Chamber of Commerce, Chairman of the Alcoholic Beverage Control Board for 27 years, longstanding Board Member of the Salvation Army and instrumental in the building of the Salvation Army Thrift Store.
Austin is survived by his wife, Sue Carolyn Pendley of 50 years of marriage; two sons, Steven Bradford Pendley of Maggie Valley, NC and Michael Austin Pendley; daughter-in-law, Deborah Krauss Pendley; two grandchildren, Faith Louise Pendley and Chase Austin Pendley, all of Bradenton, Fla.; a brother, Delmar Pendley and sister-in-law, Thelma of St. Augustine, Fla.; sister-in-law, Virginia Papy and brother-in-law, Dave Papy of Ocala, Fla.; 12 nieces and nephews; and 13 great nieces and nephews.
The family received friends from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at the Garrett Funeral Home in Waynesville, NC. Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2010.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 290 Pigeon St., Waynesville, NC 28786.
Arrangements in care of Anderson-Patterson Cremation & Funeral Services, Fort Myers, Fla. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.andersonpatterson.com