W.A. “Pete” Kendrick
91, Columbia
Funeral services were held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024, at Good Hope Baptist Church for W.A. “Pete” Kendrick, 91, of Columbia, who passed from this life into God’s presence on Friday, Jan. 5. Burial followed in Good Hope Baptist Church Cemetery. Bro. Johnny Williams officiated at the services. Visitation was held from noon until the time of the services on Tuesday, Jan. 9, at Good Hope Baptist Church.
He was born in Marion County as the third of four children to William Nathan and Birdie Lee Kendrick where he has remained a lifelong resident. He attended Improve schools and pursued courses at the University of Southern Mississippi. He was a member of Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association Board for 42 years and served in several offices, including president. He also served on the Board of Cooperative Energy. As a member of the Columbia Lions Club for more than 50 years, he served as president as well as holding other offices. He was a recipient of the Lions International Foundation Melvin Jones Fellow for outstanding humanitarian work. He served 31 years in the Army National Guard and retired as a Sergeant Major. He owned and operated the City Meat Market in Columbia for 20 years before retirement.
One of his loves was flying, and he held multi-engine, instrument and instructor ratings. Over the years, he taught many students how to fly, and he also provided instruction at the votech school. He enjoyed horse riding and trained horses for showing and racing. He had many hobbies and enjoyed gardening, playing Sudoku, playing dominoes on Monday night at Good Hope Family Life Center and having coffee at 9 a.m. with his coffee buddies.
He loved his family and was grounded in his love for Jesus Christ. He was a dedicated, loyal and faithful member of Good Hope Baptist Church for 55 years where he served as a deacon, Sunday School teacher and past song director. He loved music and singing bass in church and quartet groups. He considered his faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ, to be his greatest achievement. He will be remembered as one of the kindest hearts with a deep conviction of right and wrong and for his ability to display great restraint in issues of controversy.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by a wife, Naomi Rutland Kendrick; and two brothers, Ralph Kendrick and Nathan “Tiny” Kendrick.
Survivors include his wife, Betty Kendrick; three children, Sharon Waits, Debbie Ladd (Wayne), and David Kendrick (Suzanne); three step-children, Lori Touliatos (John), Tina Sorey (Todd) and Lisa Cannella; sister, Opal Smith; grandchildren, Joseph Waits (Ashley), Leah Dunn (Andrew), Andrew Myers (Sophie), Carly Kendrick, Sarah Kendrick, Spero Touliatos (Lydia), Carli Walt (Gus), Cameron Basse (James), Weston Touliatos (Hannah), Lawson Touliatos, Ashlin Cannella, Saige Sorey, Zach Sorey, Gage Sorey and
Silas Sorey; seven great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.
