Ray was born December 1, 1936, in Peebles to farmers Charles and Velva (Hazelbaker) Pendell.
After high school, Ray joined the United States Navy.
After returning home, in the early 1960s Ray joined the Norwood Police Department. During 1972 he headed up the Norwood Police and Fire Negotiating Committee. During 1981, he was doing narcotics investigations. Also, during 1981, he was promoted to Detective. Detective Pendell retired in 1987.
Detective Pendell then joined the Adams County Children Services as an investigator.
During 1989, Detective Pendell was appointed Chief of Police in West Union.
Chief Pendell, during 1996 ran for and was elected Sheriff of Adams County. He took Office January 1, 1997 and served until December 31, 2000 for a total of about 40 years of service to the nation, Norwood, and Adams County.
Sheriff Pendal then served under the Adams County Auditor.
Sheriff Pendell died at his residence in West Union, Ohio on January 24, 2022, at the age of 85.
Sheriff Pendell is survived by his wife, Judith Lynn (Brewer) Pendell; sons, Ray Kelly Pendell, Mark Anthony Pendell, and Ray Donovan Pendell; granddaughter Stephanie; two great-grandchildren; and sisters, Carol Jean Pendell and Mary Hansford.
Visitation will be held noon to 1 p.m. on Monday, January 31, 2022, at the Thompson-Meeker Funeral Home, at 216 W. Mulberry Street in West Union. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Clarence Abbott officiating. Burial will follow immediately after at the Kirker Cemetery with military services by the Adams County Honor Guard.
Memorials may be made to the West Union Fire Department and West Union Life Squad.
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